[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6361-S6362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WARHAWK AIR MUSEUM

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 35th 
anniversary of the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, ID. This remarkable 
institution is a global attraction for history enthusiasts and airplane 
lovers of all ages.
  The museum's roots trace back to 1986, when John and Sue Paul moved 
to Idaho from California, bringing with them a PT-19 WWII trainer, a P-
40E, and their passion for restoring World War II airplanes. They 
worked out of a hangar at the Caldwell airport, bringing planes back to 
life and flying them as they could. The community quickly fell in love 
with these historic aircraft, often gathering to watch them soar 
through the Treasure Valley skies. Inspired by the planes' history, 
residents began contributing their own WWII

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memorabilia to the Pauls' hangar, hoping to create a meaningful tribute 
to U.S. history. The community's enthusiasm culminated in the official 
establishment of the Warhawk Air Museum in 1989.
  As the collection of war memorabilia expanded, John and Sue outgrew 
the original hangar. Looking to construct a larger facility, they found 
a unique way to help fund the endeavor: Hollywood. Because of the 
authenticity on display at the Warhawk, the museum's Curtiss P-40N 
``Warhawk'' and Curtiss P-40E ``Kittyhawk'' were featured in the 2001 
movie ``Pearl Harbor.'' Proceeds enabled the Pauls to construct a new 
facility in Nampa, which opened its doors in 2001. Motivated by their 
success and larger facility, John and Sue sought to expand their 
collection to honor veterans from all eras. With additional proceeds 
from the use of their Curtiss P-40E ``Kittyhawk'' in the 2008 film 
``Valkyrie,'' the museum expanded again, creating a space to honor 
those who served in Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War-era. The public 
can see both of these P-40 aircraft on display every year at the 
museum's annual Warbird Roundup, which brings historic planes from 
around the country to Idaho for an airshow that takes spectators back 
in time.
  Beyond preserving physical artifacts, the Warhawk Air Museum is 
committed to safeguarding the stories of our veterans. Collaborating 
with the Library of Congress, their dedicated staff and approximately 
80 volunteers work with veterans to share their experiences, ensuring 
firsthand accounts of their service and sacrifice are recorded for 
future generations. To date, more than 1,300 veterans' stories have 
been preserved by the Warhawk's Veterans History Project.
  The Warhawk Air Museum serves not only as an educational resource for 
Idahoans, but also as the host of the largest monthly gathering of 
veterans in the State. Each month, the Kilroy Coffee Klatch brings 
together over 250 veterans, providing an opportunity for them to 
connect with others who may have served in the same branch of the 
military or conflict. This monthly event features a variety of 
speakers, many of whom are volunteers at the museum or regular 
attendees of the Coffee Klatch, covering a plethora of topics, such as 
serving in WWII or as a Dustoff helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Each month 
brings a new speaker and a new perspective on what it means to serve 
our great country.
  Under the leadership of executive director Carson Spear, the Warhawk 
Air Museum continues its mission ``to educate visitors about the cost 
of freedom and honor those who paid its price.'' The museum is 
developing a new hangar to honor those who served and sacrificed in the 
Global War on Terror. Once complete, the Warhawk will be one of the few 
museums in the country with an exhibit dedicated to this conflict.
  I am proud to have the Warhawk Air Museum in the great State of 
Idaho. It exemplifies the values that Idahoans hold dear, and I look 
forward to witnessing the continued impact this institution will have 
in our State and Nation.

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