History of the Rocky Mountain Wing of the CAF
The Rocky Mountain Wing (RMW) was first formed in 1981, as a Squadron of the Confederate Air Force. When membership reached 25 Colonels, it became a Wing and began reporting directly to CAF headquarters in Harlingen, Texas in 1988.
In 1984 Wing Leader Col. Del Coulson requested that headquarters assign TBM N53503 to the Rocky Mountain Squadron. Once approved, the TBM was ferried from Mesa, Arizona. to Grand Junction, Colorado. Thus began a major restoration project taking over four years.
Money for the restoration came from several $3,500 sponsorships, and many smaller but equally important donations. Volunteer work parties showed up every Saturday. Also during this time, the RMW acquired a hangar complex that was scheduled to be demolished by the local Airport Authority. This was moved to our new site with ample ramp space. After modification to accept the 16 ft tall tail of the TBM, the RMW had an indoor facility in which to work.
The TBM project was completed in 1989 and by this time the wing had grown to over 50 members. Air shows became the new source of revenue and member participation.
In 1996 the RMW acquired a J-3 Cub, also known in the military as a "Grasshopper". The Wing grew in membership with this addition of another flying aircraft. This type aircraft had the military designation of L-4 in the Army Air Corps and NE-1 in the Navy.
RMW's next project, in 98-99, was to expand the facility by building an "O" Club and meeting room with amenities. Again the membership grew to over 65 Colonels. This facility is now a WWII Heritage Museum, that houses a collection of WWII era memorabilia and hosts many groups from the Grand Junction area.
In 2000, the RMW built a separate hangar for their J-3 Cub. This building project was undertaken and completed entirely by CAF volunteers.
On Armed Forces Day, in May the RMW holds an open house and "hangar dance" to raise public awareness of the CAF. See our Schedule of events for all of the events scheduled for this year!
The TBM and the J-3 Cub are available for fly-overs at local civic events.
The RMW currently has over 80 Colonels as members and is planning further growth and expansion. We have set goals for 30 new members, and $100,000 in new donations to be used for bigger hangar and museum space. Click HERE if you’d like to be one of the 30 new members, or HERE if you’d like to contribute to our cause. Member meetings are held the second Saturday of each month.
of each month.
In 1984 Wing Leader Col. Del Coulson requested that headquarters assign TBM N53503 to the Rocky Mountain Squadron. Once approved, the TBM was ferried from Mesa, Arizona. to Grand Junction, Colorado. Thus began a major restoration project taking over four years.
Money for the restoration came from several $3,500 sponsorships, and many smaller but equally important donations. Volunteer work parties showed up every Saturday. Also during this time, the RMW acquired a hangar complex that was scheduled to be demolished by the local Airport Authority. This was moved to our new site with ample ramp space. After modification to accept the 16 ft tall tail of the TBM, the RMW had an indoor facility in which to work.
The TBM project was completed in 1989 and by this time the wing had grown to over 50 members. Air shows became the new source of revenue and member participation.
In 1996 the RMW acquired a J-3 Cub, also known in the military as a "Grasshopper". The Wing grew in membership with this addition of another flying aircraft. This type aircraft had the military designation of L-4 in the Army Air Corps and NE-1 in the Navy.
RMW's next project, in 98-99, was to expand the facility by building an "O" Club and meeting room with amenities. Again the membership grew to over 65 Colonels. This facility is now a WWII Heritage Museum, that houses a collection of WWII era memorabilia and hosts many groups from the Grand Junction area.
In 2000, the RMW built a separate hangar for their J-3 Cub. This building project was undertaken and completed entirely by CAF volunteers.
On Armed Forces Day, in May the RMW holds an open house and "hangar dance" to raise public awareness of the CAF. See our Schedule of events for all of the events scheduled for this year!
The TBM and the J-3 Cub are available for fly-overs at local civic events.
The RMW currently has over 80 Colonels as members and is planning further growth and expansion. We have set goals for 30 new members, and $100,000 in new donations to be used for bigger hangar and museum space. Click HERE if you’d like to be one of the 30 new members, or HERE if you’d like to contribute to our cause. Member meetings are held the second Saturday of each month.
of each month.