MISSOULA – Their advanced years keep them from making the trip, but they can certainly help pay for it.
That’s exactly what happened Thursday afternoon as dozens of seniors from Missoula health care facilities donated more than $8,000 to help to send the “Miss Montana” to France, marking the 75th anniversary of “D-Day”.
With the restored C-47 purring on the apron outside the hanger at the Museum of Mountain Flying, the retirees were treated to the sight, and sounds, of the old cargo plane, which is in the final state of preparation for the upcoming trip.
<figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-153389">Miss Montana will be headed from Missoula to France to help mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day. (MTN News photo)It’s a trip honoring the “Greatest Generation” and their sacrifice, and while most in this group remember their fathers and uncles serving in “The War”, many were also veterans of their own military service. In fact, there was representation of every branch of the service.
After hearing the history of the plane — and it’s upcoming mission — representatives of the senior living and health care communities managed by the Goodman Group passed along the checks, with project leader Bryan Douglass expressing thanks and saying it will help defray the extensive fuel costs of making the trip.
There’s a gala fundraiser at the museum on Saturday. We’ll take a closer look at the project as we go On Special Assignment Friday during the 10:00 News on MTN.
