Wasco Tribune - Serving the community since 1970

The Minter Field Air Museum recently received a facelift, with a new coat of paint thanks to a generous donation from a foundation that offered to help them with their project.

According to Museum Director Ronald Pierce, the project was a success and the facility has a bright new look to it.

"We are thankful for this gift and we are very proud of our museum and its staff for all of their hard work on this project."

The assistance came from the Charles Johnson Foundation, which is named for the late Charles Johnson, a Vietnam War veteran. He and his family have helped numerous organizations involved in the military.

Pierce received a phone call from a spokesman for the organization and at first thought it may be a hoax. "Once I realized it wasn't a hoax, we were just overjoyed," Pierce said .

Jamie Stewart | The Shafter Press

The final coats of paint were applied in mid-October.

Steve Holloway Painting did the work on the museum, first preparing the structures for the painting and then applying the new coats of paint.

The work began in late August, with the preparation taking a considerable amount of time, removing six to eight layers of paint that had accumulated over the years. They also filled in cracks, replaced broken boards and sealed or replaced broken glass in the windows.

After applying a sealer and two primer coats of paint, the final coats of paint were applied.

The public is encouraged to come out to the museum and check out the new look of the facility.

The museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are also open for private group tours.