WWII Flying Tigers, 14th Air Force were young men filled with spirit, and skill. There was a special type of squadron needed: resilient, wiry, fiery and totally committed to keep the planes flying. To this day they have been unknown, over looked and seldom acknowledged for their contributions. These men were the 69th Depot Repair Squadron (DRS). They “flew THE HUMP” (Himalayan mountains) and drove THE BURMA ROAD in 6X6 trucks, navigating 23 switch-backs and mountainous terrain with airplane gasoline in 50-gallon barrels!

The Chennault Aviation Museum and Park in Monroe, Louisiana is a special place that has many missions. One mission unfolds in the Restoration Hanger. There is a group of dedicated volunteers that painstakingly rework and preserve various types of aircraft and machinery from several eras of flight. This amazing ‘hanger squad’ stands on the shoulders of the 69th DRS and all those ‘Maintainers’ of the past. Their work honors Gen. Claire Chennault and all his Flying Tigers by carrying history into the future.

Nell Chennault Calloway is the Granddaughter of Gen. Chennault. As CEO, she oversees the expansion of these facilities. The growth, plans and events make this an exciting destination for visitors of all ages: those who love history, aircraft and WWII. It is all about education, military service and much more. Admission is free to the public.

The restoration of these pieces of history is a costly endeavor. To help support the Chennault Foundation, Museum and Park, the 69th DRS Association has created the “Wings & Rivets Project.” The mission is to name the restoration hanger after the 69th DRS. Their adventures from Kelly Field, Texas to Kunming, China were a test of true grit, Yankee ingenuity and sheer determination. The 69th DRS mission: re-work, re-design and create parts out of nothing to “keep ‘em flying!”

The project goal is $200,000. These monies will go toward the purchase of equipment and products to aid in restoring these historic treasures. See the list below.

Kindly click the Wings & Rivets Donate button below to support this mission. 

In-kind donations from the following list are also welcomed:

Restoration Hanger Current Requirements

  • Hoist – electric  lifting capacity 2+ ton
  • Gantry  Crane – A-frame, portable, adjustable,  1+ ton capacity
  • Welding machine – Miller Welding company  $11,000
  • Metal band saw to cut steel  – JET manufacture   $2,200
  • Stands for plane wheels – 21 stands   $50 K
  • A-10 WartHog (Donated by U.S. Air Force) located in New Mexico – shipment to Monroe, LA – $50 K

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Thank you in advance for supporting our missions to educate, preserve and take history into the future!