OAM Endowment Begins!

As Operations Manager, I have come to know Mr. Jones over the past four and a half years as a truly dedicated supporter of OAM and its mission.  Seeing his tireless interest in our efforts here, I often wondered what motivates him to be so committed to our cause.  Luckily I had the recent opportunity to discover the answer to that question.

I had the pleasure of sitting down over lunch with Conway Jones on December 20th, 2011.  We had a wonderful conversation ranging from his memories of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in my home town of Bremerton, Washington to his love of the water and the sport of sailing. 

I have been aware for some time of his many accomplishments; his rise to the rank of Colonel in the United States Air Force, His work at the Pentagon, his recent appointment to the Veteran Affairs Board, his working with, or being on the Board of more corporations and community organizations than I care to count.  But it is what motivates a person like Conway to give as much to, and for his community which truly intrigues me.

I asked him that question, and his answer was as pure and elegant as could be.  “My father”, he said “always told me that our purpose here in life is not to just go through our day doing things, but to do things that matter.”  He continued, “Things that matter after we are gone.”  He described his vision of wanting to know that the efforts he has made in his life have been for a greater common good.  With this understanding, it became clear to me that Conway typifies the nature of those who continually give of their time, experience and financial resources to small community organizations like the Oakland Aviation Museum.

Conway talked about his personal desire to ensure that future generations have access to the same knowledge, appreciation and inspiration that has lead him through his extraordinary life thus far.  His goal is to help continue the education of our children and grandchildren in the fascinating and important world of aviation, and with it, the serious study, hard work, and sacrifice that has made it all possible.  He is committed to helping them know the names of Bessie Coleman, Charles Lindbergh, Benjamin Davis, Jimmy Doolittle, and the countless other men and women from all walks of life who have over the years, created flight as we know it today.

The Oakland Aviation Museum shares Conway’s vision and is proud to have his support of our ongoing mission to keep the role of aviation, and Oakland’s unique contributions to it, forever in the hearts and minds of our community.  Through the OAM experience, we are partners in keeping future generations interested and involved in the mathematics and sciences required to carry us successfully forward into the future.  We are blessed to have such dedicated individuals on our team, like Mr. Conway Jones, and yourselves, our members and visitors.

To Conway Jones, Salute!

B. Scott Buckingham, Operation Manager

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Cars4Causes

OAM greatly appreciates its many supporters.  We understand in these tough economic times that people still want to help out, but may feel limited in how they can do that.  Our goal is to offer you many avenues to give to your favorite cause while making it easier on your busy schedule and limited funds.  Now we have another method which can help you in return.

Cars4Causes will take your old vehicle (car, boat, RV) and resell it, with 70% of the proceeds going to the museum.  It's nice to know you can help out OAM while getting rid of old stuff and getting a tax deduction.  Please visit the link at the left of this page.

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MUSEUM SUPPORT