Commemorative Air Force
Don Thurston is an experienced professional with a diverse background in maintenance, IT support, and management. Currently retired, Don has held multiple roles at the Commemorative Air Force since 2012, including Assistant Crew Chief for B29 and B24 aircraft, where maintenance and inspection activities were performed. Previous positions include Mechanic I at United Technologies Aerospace Systems and Mechanic II at Collins Aerospace. Don also possesses extensive IT experience, having managed servers and desktops at Datalink and provided support for Vimage Photography. Other roles include Production Supervisor at Tyler Tool and Fastener and Network Contractor at Hideaway Lake Women's Birthing Clinic, where network design and management were crucial. Don earned a BS in Industrial Technology and two AAS degrees in Information Technology from Southern Illinois University and Tyler Junior College.
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Commemorative Air Force
Collecting flying warbirds for half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the largest flying museum in the world. The CAF is a nonprofit aviation association dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance by maintaining a flying museum of classic military aircraft. The CAF has more than 12,000 members and its fleet of 162 historic aircraft is distributed to 73 units located in 24 states for care and operation. These units, comprised of CAF members and volunteers, restore and operate the planes which are viewed by more than 10 million spectators annually. More than just a collection of flyable warbirds, the Commemorative Air Force’s fleet of historic aircraft, known as the “Ghost Squadron,” recreate, remind and reinforce the lessons learned from the defining moments in American military aviation history. The demands of aerial combat drove the great technological advances in aviation that occurred during and after World War II. Many different types of aircraft were developed, often designed for very specific missions. Members engage with the mission to protect these rare flying monuments to freedom. They keep them in flying condition, repair, rebuild and pilot these unique assets. Future generations will benefit from the CAF’s preservation efforts, educational programs, museum exhibits and airshows.