News from the CAF Nevada Wing
By Joe Gonzalez In an airplane hangar north of Las Vegas, a rare Stinson AT-19 Reliant has been undergoing restoration by the Nevada Wing, one of the smallest units in the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). After 11 years of painstaking work, the Nevada Wings is now on the threshold of returning this aircraft back to the skies where it belongs–but we need your help. With donations totaling just $15,000, this airplane can be back in flying condition–and back to honoring the men and women who built, flew, and maintained this aircraft in World War II. Will you help make this possible by making a gift today?For the past 11 years, the CAF Nevada Wing has been working on the restoration of the militarized version of the classic gull-wing Stinson Reliant, known to the military as the AT-19. This airplane helps tell the story of the Lend-Lease program that was critical to the success of the Allies in World War II. The Lend-Lease Program shipped more than $50 billion (equivalent to $600 billion today) of military equipment to U.S. allies. This AT-19 was manufactured in Detroit and was first used by the British Royal Navy in a variety of roles before being deployed to support the war against Japan as part of the Royal Air Force. Following the end of the war, this plane was returned to the U.S.
Until now, dedicated volunteers have done all the restoration work on the AT-19. Now, at a critical juncture, professional assistance is needed to finish restoration–and that professional assistance costs money. That is how you can help. With your support, this airplane can be restored to flying condition where it can once again soar–not only in the skies–but also into the hearts and minds of younger generations.Are you a pilot? Did you or someone you know serve in the military? Or do you appreciate history and what this airplane represents? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you know how important it is to preserve this aircraft and what it stands for. Your support will open possibilities for the Nevada Wing of CAF to educate younger generations on the contributions of military aviation in assuring our nation’s freedom.
Please donate today. Checks may be made payable to the CAF Nevada Wing, and sent to PO Box 570634, Las Vegas, NV 89157.If you would like additional information on the AT-19, please contact Joe Gonzalez at 702/241-4599 or email airphoto@cox.net. You may also contact Col. Eric Rebstock at 702/445-4757 or email ericrebstock@cox.net.Thank you in advance for your support.P.S. Your donation today can help this airplane return to the skies where it belongs. The CAF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible to extent allowed by law. For more information, visit www.cafnevadawing.com or find us on Facebook.
