D-Day Squadron Officially Welcomes Two New Members to the Team, Growing Partnerships and Membership
January 31, 2022
Welcome Jennifer Thomas, membership manager, DC-3 Society
In an effort to grow the membership of the DC-3 Society, the D-Day Squadron has appointed seasoned pilot and industry veteran, Jennifer Thomas as membership manager. She will have full oversight of the society and its purpose to promote DC-3 type aircraft airworthiness, training, operations, static and flying displays for future generations.
Jennifer has spent her career in aviation working with nonprofit organizations and flying. More recent, she served Women in Aviation International (WAI) as their manager of business development, effectively growing corporate relationships for WAI, and also worked as onsite management for WAI's annual conference. Coming from a global organization of 15,000 members, she is not shy launching new programs, adding member resources and benefits, as well, growing opportunities for vendors and industry partners.
For 30 years, she has been a pilot and flight instructor. She is passionate about aviation and encouraging others to become involved. When Jennifer is not working, she’s spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking and snowshoeing with her family.
"I am thrilled to be part of this team and love that the DC-3 Society seeks to preserve the past, honor our veterans and encourage future generations," shared Thomas.
We are delighted to welcome Jennifer to the team, she will assume her role as of February 1, 2022. Lauren Roberts, membership coordinator, will still remain involved as her time allows. We extend such gratitude to Lauren for building the society where it is today. Lauren aided in the launch and preparations of the DC-3 Society, as well, led all training efforts with Jennifer over the last few months to ensure a smooth transition. You can reach Jennifer at membership@dc3society.org.
Welcome Peter Manning, affiliate partner program manager, DC-3 Society
Bringing more companies, vendors and industry in front of our members is a priority for the DC-3 Society. This effort takes time and attention, an effort now led by Peter Manning, a WWII enthusiast, DC-3 Society member and volunteer.
Peter spent his working career as a construction professional for Gilbane Building Company. He was involved with many types of projects, including K-12 schools, higher Ed, municipal buildings, convention centers to name a few. He actually built a flight kitchen at Dulles Airport in the late 1980’s. He retired in late 2019 which has given him time to pursue other interests.
Among those interests, Peter has developed a keen interest in WWII history. This interest started in 2010, when his father-in-law, a radio man in a B-24 crew for the 491st Bomb Group, 854th Bomb Squadron, was invited by a group of historian/ re-enactors in Leefdaal, Belgium to participate in the dedication of a newly constructed memorial. Royce Colby’s plane was shot down over Belgium on November 25th, 1944, and ultimately landed on a home at the site of the memorial. Royce and his family, including Peter’s wife Beth attended the dedication. While Peter did not attend that ceremony, the relationship between the Belgian ‘Patton Drivers’ has grown strong, with Peter and his family returning to Belgium on numerous occasions. Visits to Bastogne, Henri- Chappelle American Cemetery, Normandy and other sacred places accompanied these visits.
Peter’s interest in the D-Day Squadron started with his attendance of the fly-in at Oxford, CT, prior to the mission to Normandy in May of 2019. The event captivated Peter and he has been a follower ever since.
Peter is a member of the WWII Museum in New Orleans (his last visit was on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day), as well as a member of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth in Pooler, GA. He recently became a member of the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT.
We are absolutely thrilled Peter is able to advance his support of the D-Day Squadron, through leadership of our growing affiliate partner program. You can reach Peter at peter@dc3society.org.
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