70th year birthday gift for Minter Field

Strata Credit Union, which is celebrating its 70th year, granted a wish to the Minter Field Air Museum recently, donating $2,000 to the museum to help support their operations.

Brian Ivie, CEO of Strata, said that the museum does so much for the community of Shafter and the rest of Kern County, that it was a pleasure to help the museum continue that work. "Strata Credit Union is proud to be a part of this organization and wants to congratulate the museum and its staff on being a bridge between the past and the present."

Strata decided to grant 70 wishes to various organizations that strive to make a difference in the lives of Kern County residents. Local dignitaries in attendance for the event were two generals.

Major General James Whitehead, who has been with the Minter Field Air Museum for decades, spoke about the history of the museum and answered questions with Ronald Pierce, chairman of the museum's board. There was also General John Stantsli, another Minter Field Air Museum board member.

The museum is gearing up for one of their main fundraisers of the year, their Wings 'n' Wheels event, which takes place this Saturday, Nov. 2. Members of the museum gave the Strata representatives a tour of the museum after the check presentation, which, according to Pierce, can last from 30 minutes to three hours. "I can give you a short tour, hitting the highlights of the museum, or give you the detailed, full tour, which can last up to three hours."

Among the Strata Credit Union staff that were celebrating at the museum were marketing manager Michelle Garland, Eric Duhart and Steve West.

Board members for Minter Field Air Museum spoke to the representatives about the mission of the museum and how much time and money it takes to run and operate.

Board members present were Pierce, Whitehead, Vice Chairman Alan Anderson, Treasurer Stantsli and David Cosimati.

California Pin Ups and Patriots founder Ramona Dolan introduced Ivie, who presented treasurer Anderson with the check for $2,000. Ivie said," We enjoyed being a part of the Wings n Wheels last year, and this year, we wanted to help the museum with costs associated with maintaining their buildings and to help support the big show."

Ivie thanked the museum for everything it does for the community and said that they are looking forward to working with them in the future.

The show on Saturday will include food, music, over 300 cars and trucks on display, as well as over 350 airplanes, including an all-electric airplane. This aircraft can fly up to an hour on one charge of its battery.