I PHONED UP Larry Goldstein, president of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society and a Mountain View resident, to ask him about the “Wings of Freedom” tour, which is bringing World War II aircraft — the B-25 Mitchell, the B-24 Liberator, and the B-17 Flying Fortress — to Moffett Field for a week beginning May 31. Apparently, the old war birds have an especially big following out here.
“This is their biggest money maker,” Golstein said, referring to the Collings Foundation, which puts the planes on tour twice a year. “People are standing in line with four hundred dollars in their fists. … That weekend it’s just unbelievable how many people come out.”
Goldstein, who hails from New York but has lived here for four years, said the WWII vets would be out at Moffett too. “We don’t sell anything,” he said, “we just try to get people into the history” of that war.
A B-17 pilot who flew 25 missions, Goldstein has plenty of history (and more than a few jokes) to share all on his own. As a Jew who grew up in a New York neighborhood alongside lots of Christians — including a Catholic woman whom he called his “second mother” — Goldstein wore two symbols around his neck during the war: a Star of David and a St. Christopher which had been blessed by a priest. One day he found himself discussing them with a fellow soldier.
“He said so are you Jewish or are you Christian?” Goldstein recalled. “I said why do you ask. He said because you’ve got those two necklaces around your neck. I told him considering what we’re going through, I’m not taking any chances.”
Wings of Freedom will be at Moffett Field, at the Main Gate near the Control Tower, from May 31 to June 5. Times for all days are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except on May 31, when it kicks off an hour later, at 10 a.m., and on June 5, when it closes at 1 p.m. The foundation requests a “walkthrough tour donation” of $8 for adults, $4 for children under 12. Never mind the planes, meeting Goldstein may be worth the price of admission.
As for all those people with the four hundred dollars in their fists: For a price of $325, $400 or $425 (depending on the ride), true aficionados can take a flight in a restored war bird. Call (978) 562-9182 for reservations, or (408) 807-0950 for more information. …
THE CHALLENGE TEAM has been busy lately. Last Thursday, the group — a consortium which works to fight problems facing youth, including alcohol and drug abuse — put on a big benefit breakfast to honor this year’s “Champions for Youth” (see page 6).
But that was just the capper. The previous day, the Challenge Team’s Gang Task Force gathered up more than 400 middle and high school students at the Mountain View Sports Pavilion for an inspirational event called “The Winner Within.”
Nancy Vandenberg, youth resources manager for the city, explained that during the two-hour rally, students from all over “were inspired to achieve their full potential and make positive choices.” She added that “a resource fair populated with representatives from local agencies with positive opportunities for youth concluded the event.”
Anyone interested in helping the Challenge Team’s efforts can contact Vandenberg at (650) 903-6301, or police Captain Bruce Barsi with the Gang Task Force at (650) 903-6350. …
ALSO … Attend a home composting class this Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Mountain View Community Center at 201 S. Rengstorff Ave., and learn more about how the leaves turn. Call (408) 730-7262 or visit www.reducewaste.org. … Happy birthday to Henry Fagundes, who turned 90 on May 13. … Locals are invited to a free “Evening of Remembrance” hosted by Pathways Hospice on May 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, 728 W. Fremont Ave. This is an annual event held around Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Memorial Day each year. Call (888) 905-2800 ext. 4241 to RSVP.
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