Hometown Happy Hour: Thunderbird Fields

Hollywood's Four World War II Pilot Training Bases in Metro Phoenix

Speaker: Joan Fudala

Scottsdale Airport and three other Valley aviation and education sites trace their beginnings to patriotic Hollywood investors, who built and operated four military pilot training fields in the Phoenix metro area during World War II.  Through photos and stories, learn how a bit of Hollywood glamour and gumption helped thousands of U.S. and allied military pilots earn their wings in Scottsdale, Mesa, Phoenix and Glendale, 1941-1945.  The four ‘Thunderbird  Fields’ not only contributed to the war effort, but established the sites as key post-war aviation, education and employment centers.

Also, be sure to drop in a few minutes early for a beverage and a light snack before the presentation.

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