The Bureau of Aeronautics and Space History has archives of airforce gift history in Bourbonnais, Illinois. This paper will focus on the history of the United States Air Force's gift program to the City of Bourbonnais from 1942-1949. The City of Bourbonnais was a municipally-owned and operated airport located in remote rural farmland southwest of downtown Chicago. Originally established as an auxiliary field for then-U.S. Army General James Fenton’s Third Corps Air Base (later First Allied Air Forces), the airport served as a military transport hub between Chicago and other theaters of World War II while also providing access to local farmers and ranchers with aerial deliveries of foodstuffs, munitions, and other supplies. In November 1942, when U.S.AAF Lieutenant Colonel Curtis LeMay announced that he would establish Second Tactical Air Command at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota under his command, Mayor John Pucinski offered to create an airfield adjacent to his city center for use by Second Tactical Air Command’s fighter pilots during their operations against Japan. On October 25, 1943, after months of negotiations with local landowners and civic leaders, Second Tactical Air Command moved its headquarters from Camp Kilmer northeastwardly along I-90 until it reached the old French Road airstrip near present day Bourbonnais Boulevard; however, no assistance was given by either General Fenton or Second TAC in erecting runways orPainting/Signage: "City Of Bourbonnais Airport" - 1945 On September 1st 1944 however, following attacks on Pearl Harbor which revealed America’s vulnerability to attack from abroad, Congress passed Public Law 93–594 which provided for the creation within the Department of War (DARPA)of a Defense Aeronautics Administration (DAA). As part Sustained Attack Munitions Program Branch within DARPA this effort became known as “Project Significance” and received initial funding under ARPANET Project SIGNIFICANCE Number 2245 dated November 25th 1946 through July 3rd 1948 inclusive. With additional $5 million dollars available through appropriation act Janus Act 491 9/1947 via Publius 91–235 – Authorization For Appropriations To Be Made To Navy By And Through The Department Of Commerce Name adjustment Of Third Marine Brigade Headquarters From Camp Pendleton CA To Bourbonnais IL effective February 15th 1949] paint job/signage: "Third Marine Brigade Headquarters" - 1949
The Air Force has many different gift options for its members. One option is the purchase of a gift certificate to a local airshow or other event. Another option is the donation of an airplane or helicopter. There are also many special offers available from the Air Force that are not typically offered by other military services. For example, members can receive discounts on items such as ammunition, car rentals, and health care products.
The Bourbonnais, Illinois ANG (Air National Guard) gift history began with the organization of the Air National Guard in 1947. The ANG was one of the first military organizations in the United States to be activated by Congress as an act of war. In 1951, the ANG received its own USAF unit, The 1st Fighter Wing. In 1957, The 1st Fighter Wing was redesignated The 1st Tactical Fighter Wing and became operational at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio. In 1961, General Curtis LeMay assigned Headquarters 61st Tactical Airlift Squadron to Beechcraft Corp., Beech Baron C-123 aircraft being leased from Air America Airlines for service with NATO forces in Europe. As airlift capabilities increased during the Cold War eraHQ 61STTS became an integral part of Air Force Operation Allied Forces in Europe - flying more than 6500 missions throughout the years. HQ 61STTS also equipped and flew combat missions against North Vietnamese targets during Operation Rolling Thunder which ended in 1973.HQ 61STTS is currently headquartered at Scott AFB Arizona where it participates in numerous NATO flyovers each year.
Bourbonnais is a small town in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,569 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. Bourbonnais was established in 1836 by Colonel John H. Bourg and his wife Elizabeth Bourg with the help of General Winfield Scott and others as a stop on their journey from Nauvoo to St. Louis. The town became a commercial center for corn Whiskey production in the early 1800s, and early settlers were also involved in cattle ranching and logging. In 1881, bourbon whiskey production began in earnest as a result of an effort to make Kentucky's most popular drink more accessible to consumers in Illinois. By 1910, Bourbonnais had become one of the leading distilleries in America; its product has been sold both nationally and internationally since then. Today, Bourbonnais is home to several museums including the bourbons Museum (opened in 1985), American Distilling Institute (established 1888), and William Tell Glasshouse (opened 1933). In addition, many local businesses participate in tourism such as restaurants that serve dishes made with bourbons or products related to bourbon such as bourbon-based ice cream or bourbon-branded clothing items.
Air Force gift history can be traced back to the beginning of the United States Air Force. On July 20, 1947, Congress passed the National Security Act which provided for creation of an air force “to protect the nation against surprise attack by foreign powers.” The act also established a Joint Chiefs of Staff. On December 12, 1947, General Curtis LeMay was named Director of Central Intelligence and was given authority to create and manage all intelligence activities within the USAF. The first major gifts from the USAF were two Boeing 707 passenger planes which were delivered in 1948. These planes were used as training models for airline pilots. In 1949, four Convair 880 flying boats were gifted to the USAF and these planes served as bombers and trainers until 1990 when they were retired from service due to their age and lack of operational ability. Other major gifts include items such as fighter aircraft, missiles, tanks and other military hardware.
On July 10, 1948, the USAF announced a gift of $1 million to The Boeing Company in order to build the first jet-powered bomber. On October 15th, 1949, The Boeing Company donated its newest jet-powered bomber model to the USAF for use as part of the United States Air Force's Project Mercury.
Bourbonnais, Illinois is a town in Macon County, Illinois, United States. The population was 7,977 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. Bourbonnais was founded in 1868 by Levi Bowen and Edward Clements as a small community along the south shore of Lake Michigan. The first post office in Bourbonnais was established in 1869. The town quickly became known for its Distilleries of the World trade fairs which were hosted here each year from 1870 to 1902. In 1892, the Fitzsimons Brewery merged with another brewery in nearby Decatur to form what is now Diageo Brewing Company Limited (DBI). DBI would continue to sponsor world-class trade shows until it closed its doors in 1998. In recent years, bourbonnais has seen an increase of interest due to its unique history and culture as well as its proximity to Chicago's Loop core. This has led to numerous events and attractions being held throughout the year including music festivals such as ACL Festivals and Mid-America Blues & BBQ Festival, art exhibits such as American Art Museum's "Kentucky Folklife" exhibit and Illinois State Fairgrounds' "Belgian Faire", golf tournaments like Augusta National Golf Club's PGA Championship series and LPGA Tour events like FedEx Cup Playoffs at Trump National Golf Club or Quicken Loans Open at Monmouth Park Golf Course.
Bourbonnais is a town in and the seat of Bourbonnais County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,853 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area.
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card gives the option to buy an airforce gift card for anyone in the United States or Canada. Airforce gift cards can be used at any military or civilians store, including airports and online retailers.