The Mission

Have you ever imagined owning part of your very own jet military fighter?

This is your opportunity to support the McClellan Aviation Museum and Aerospace Learning Center and preserve a part of Sacramento’s aviation history.   Be a member of the crew sponsoring our Fairchild-Republic Aircraft A-10 Thunderbolt II (Tail Number 76-540). The A-10 is known affectionately by those who fly and maintain her as the “Warthog”.  Her most distinctive feature is the GAU-8A 30 MM seven-barrel canon mounted in her nose. This particular aircraft is a combat veteran that flew in Desert Storm and was hit by a surface to air missile (SAM) on January 31, 1991, but the pilot was able to recover the aircraft successfully. It is one of 713 A-10s produced. This A-10 has a documented lineage and pedigree that is intriguing to an aviation buff.  We are enclosing a brief history for your information.

This invitation and opportunity is being offered to a select group of friends and individuals for the specific purpose of preserving this particular A-10 in our Aviation Museum right here in Sacramento.  It has been restored, but this sponsorship will defray the cost of refurbishing it to its fighting glory image and put on prominent static display for generations to come.  We want to showcase the part it played in aviation history and pay tribute to those who flew this beautiful aircraft, especially those who flew the A-10 in combat in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

With the anticipated enthusiasm and momentum of a select group of volunteers and support staff, it is my goal to set the benchmark high for other aircraft displays.  A similar sponsorship formula will be used for all other aircraft. The sponsorship will cover the cost of refurbishing the aircraft, building a permanent display, maintenance of the aircraft and display for up to 10 years, and a contribution to the Museum Capital Campaign.

We plan a group picture of all donors embossed on a bronze plaque and prominently placed in front of the aircraft and adjacent to its history and specifications to include an appropriate inscription. We will enlist the services of a crew chief and additional crewmembers to ensure that the exhibit is authentic and accurate with the attention to detail this fine aircraft deserves.

The targeted sponsorship of the Fairchild-Republic Aircraft A-10 Thunderbolt II project is $150,000. Each individual share can be made incremental donations over the three years, and payable to the McClellan Aviation Museum Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) 3. At your sole discretion, your pledge can be paid all at one time in an initial lump sum, or spread out over a period of one to three years.  Indicate your wishes on your individual pledge card. All funds over and above the cost of acquisition, refurbishment and maintenance will be included in the overall development of the McClellan Aviation Museum and Aerospace Learning Center Complex. To further commemorate this aircraft, we are developing a fundraising and marketing campaign by creating merchandise to include hats, pins, shirts and jackets embossed with logos, patches and some limited edition belt buckles. 

Have you ever considered what Sacramento would be like without the preservation of certain parts of our City’s history and heritage like Sutter’s Fort, the Crocker Art Museum, Old Sacramento, or even the Railroad Museum? This is your chance to make a difference for aviation here in Sacramento. Be on the ground floor of preserving an artifact that has both contributed a significant influence on the development of our community and also evoked a passion within each and every one of us. Remember, this is your community, and your opportunity to share our passion of aviation.  We look forward to your positive response and support.

We hope this invitation for sponsorship has evoked a sense of pride and enthusiasm that captures your interest and makes you want to become part of the A-10 project and participate in the development of the McClellan Aviation Museum and Aerospace Learning Center. We will be following up with each of you personally to enlist your support. Please feel free to contact either of us for additional information or to answer any of your questions.

Respectfully,
Ray Reihle
The A-10 Project Chairman