Lightning Strikes Twice at the Palm Springs Air Museum
Desert Visitors and Residents have two chances to see a rare Lightning P-38 up close. “Of over 10,000 built, only seven P-38s remain in the world, that are still air-worthy, so this is a real unique and exciting opportunity for the Coachella Valley,” said Museum President & CEO Sharon Maguire.
On Friday night, January 29, 2010, at 6:00 PM, Bob Cardin presents his power point on the recovery and restoration of Glacier Girl, the world’s most original Lightning P-38 at the Palm Springs Air Museum, located at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs. A visiting P-38 will be on display, in advance of the Flight Exhibition scheduled for Saturday, January 30. Immediately following the 6 PM presentation, there will be a Meet and Greet reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting from Middle Ridge Winery. Music supplied by Heatwave: Jazz & Show Band of the Boys & Girls Club of the Coachella Valley. This special event is $15 for members, $25 for non-members. For tickets, call (760) 778-6262, x 221; www.PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org
On Saturday, January 30, 2010, at 1:00 PM, Cardin repeats his power point program. Join us to see the P-38 Lightning in flight, piloted by Jeff Harris of Newport Beach. Individual admission prices range from $5.00 -$12.00 for Saturday, January 30, 2010. (Discounts not valid) Children under 6 and active military with ID are free.
Bob Cardin led the recovery effort for Glacier Girl, a real story of determination, tenacity and dedication. On July 15, 1942 two squadrons of P-38s landed on Greenland due to bad weather and low fuel. The pilots were rescued, but not the planes. Fifty years later, in 1992, 40 people returned to Greenland and burrowed through 268 feet of ice to reach one of the P-38s, and bring it up “piece by piece”. Ten years later, in 2002, after hours and hours of work, the P-38, dubbed “Glacier Girl” took flight.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is an educational non-profit organization whose mission is to Preserve, Educate and Honor. Over 28 flyable planes and interactive exhibits are housed in 75,000 square feet of climate-controlled hangars.
