In a fascinating presentation last week, Jim Meinert of the History Museum gave us a sneak preview of the documentary, "Under a Thundering Sky." Jim had just finished making some 4,000 edits to the film and was eager to tell us all about it. 

 

The documentary tells the history of Malmstrom Air Force Base, along with interesting information about women in the airforce and the Montana Air National Guard. Malmstrom was established in 1942 as a training ground for the pilots needed in World War II. Malmstrom played a key role in getting 8,000 war planes and bombers to Russia to fight Hitler as part of the lend-lease program. Some of the MAFB pilots were women - WASPs as the were known - who played an important role not only in the war but in the Berlin Airlift of 1948 after the war.

 

The film contains interviews with early airman at MANG, which was established after the war in 1947, as well as footage of what the missile silos in northcentral Montana looked like during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. From Jim's point of view, though, the best part about the film is the number and quality of first-person interviews with veterans and others who were part of that history.

 

It will premiere this Thursday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. at the History Museum. The event is free and open to the public.

The end-of-the-month social will be Wednesday evening at 5:30 at Celtic Cowboy. See out September in style with your fellow Rotarians!

 

Evening Rotary will meet next Thursday, Sept. 27, at 5:30 at the country club. Lacey Gallagher will be the featured presenter. If you have the impression that ER is only for young professionals, that is not the case. It's for any individual of any age or background that you think fits the club's standards for character and commitment to service. Encourage people you think would be good Rotarians to come, and feel free to attend yourself! Let Rob Rezek know in advance so he knows how many to prepare for.

 

Carey Gray announced last week that the autumn highway clean-up will be on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Volunteers will meet at 5:30 at KRTV and will gather at the Montana Club for refreshments after their work is done. Please let Carey know if you'd like to participate.

 

Mike Wier is looking for someone to run admissions at Harvest Howl. You're stationed at the door and all you do is help people get their wristbands and their meal and drink tickets. Easy-peasy and tons o' fun! Let Mike know if you're interested.

 

Heidi Hockett announced that the Duck Race will be Thursday, Nov. 8, beginning at 4:30 at the Holiday Inn Express. First prize will be $1,000 so buy a duck, sell a duck, back a duck ... do what you can to raise some money for Rotary!