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Madison S.

I have the Air Zoo to thank for my aircraft mechanic career. I had very little hands-on mechanical experience until the Air Zoo welcomed me as a Restoration Volunteer. I worked on the Douglas Dauntless SBD-2p for two years. What I learned with the Restoration Team opened countless doors that I never knew existed. My Air Zoo experience helped me create an aircraft mechanic path that led me to where I am today: CHI Aviation, a provider of heavy-lift helicopter services. I’ve had incredible opportunities as an aircraft mechanic, and it all started with the Air Zoo. 

Jessica V.

Years ago, the Air Zoo began traveling to regional libraries with hands-on STEAM programs that complement the National Summer Reading theme. We booked early on and have done so many times since. The Air Zoo’s programs are consistently amazing! They use reading themes to create amazing, age-appropriate programs that are unique and engaging.  

From booking a STEAM program to the day of an event, Air Zoo staff are flexible and easy to work with. They are also enthusiastic and engaging, which is contagious to our staff, families and young learners. Seeing the joy on children's faces as they discover something new is so exciting!

Henry V.

I like visiting the Air Zoo any time I can, and I love going to Air Zoo camp every summer. One of my favorite camps is coding. I also like science and engineering camps. The camp counselors are really nice. They encourage all the campers to not give up and keep trying – just like a real engineer or scientist. My 11th birthday party was at Air Zoo. It was really fun to explore the exhibits the whole day with my friends. I really liked meeting the SR-71 pilots at Spy-Posium and even got a Blackbird hat from one of them! 

Beverly T.

My name is Beverly. I am a return-employee of the Air Zoo since March 2024 (previously worked at AZ for 2-plus years).   

Fortunately, the Air Zoo allowed me another opportunity to work with the Air Zoo team within the amazing Fly Buy Store!  

In addition, the Air Zoo has provided job opportunities for my two grandchildren who are interested in learning about how to become invested in a community that relies and thrives on the support of others. Their employment experiences with the Air Zoo not only benefits their immediate need, but also it provides life-long skills, societal success gains, as well as intergenerational occupational success stories that will continue moving forward with the life, growth and progression of a nationally recognized Smithsonian-affiliated museum!  

When I recently asked my two teenage grandchildren what they enjoy and appreciate most about working at the Air Zoo, they responded with the same voice of enthusiasm: 

"We love having the opportunity to work with and for people who are committed to serving, sharing, learning and teaching through the innovation of aerospace and science! We also like earning our money!"  

Please feel free to share our success story with supporters who are interested in and committed to the progressive growth of the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center. 

Roxanna L. 

Each summer the Air Zoo provides wonderful programs at Fremont Area District Library for our children’s summer reading program. They are easy to work with and provide wonderful and quality STEAM programs. They are also flexible and able to engage a wide range of ages. Our young patrons especially enjoy the hands-on aspects of each program. In fact, the Air Zoo’s programs are consistently among the best attended – a testament to how much both parents and children enjoy them. 

Don E.

Our family began visiting the Air Zoo when, at a young age, my son developed an interest in aviation. We visited monthly at least, often arriving on Saturdays just as the doors opened. He especially loved the flight simulators and would ride them over and over again. His passion for aviation eventually led him to the United States Air Force Academy and onto becoming a USAF officer and pilot. The Air Zoo was an important part of my son’s journey, just as it is today for countless others. 

Aurora B.

As a kid who was enamored by science, my first flight got me hooked on airplanes. Attending an Air Zoo aviation-themed summer camp solidified my love of aerospace and dream of becoming an airline pilot.  Later, while working at the Air Zoo Store, absorbing aerospace knowledge became one of my favorite pastimes. Today I apply mechanical concepts as a volunteer with the Air Zoo’s restoration team.  From my fist visit, Air Zoo staff and volunteers have encouraged exploration and inspired my dreams. 

Charlie B.

My mother used a wheelchair to navigate both Air Zoo buildings during her first visit at 93-years-old. After seeing the main building, we took the walking path to the FDC. She was unimpressed that we’d be seeing “even more planes” there. But once inside, she pointed and said, "That's the kind of plane I used to work on!" This was the first time any of us learned that she worked removing instrumentation from decommissioned planes while our father was stationed with the Navy in Norfolk, VA. Only because of our Air Zoo visit did we learn of our mom’s direct connection to Naval aviation.

Karl L.

I discovered astronauts, space and science in 4th or 5th grade. Later, I contemplated a career in aerospace, then found myself enjoying a long career in IT. All the while, my interest in aerospace only grew. My first Air Zoo visit was in 2009. Years later, we relocated to Kalamazoo for my wife’s job. We love the area, including having the Air Zoo just minutes away. My next goal is to become an Air Zoo docent. I can’t wait to learn more about the artifacts, exhibits and programs, and to share my enthusiasm for all things aerospace with Air Zoo visitors.

Ramona L.

My husband is an aviation aficionado. When we got engaged, we wanted a plane for our engagement pictures. From the east side of the state, our research brought us to the Air Zoo for pictures in the "Yellow Peril” bi-plane. Early in our marriage, every vacation included an air museum of some kind, but the Air Zoo had a special place in our hearts. We located to Kalamazoo years later when I was offered a position at Western Michigan University. Having the Air Zoo minutes from home is amazing. We love supporting the mission and sharing the Air Zoo with visiting family and friends.

Anna B.

My first visit to the Air Zoo was for summer camp. I even got to visit where the artifacts are kept. Then I started exploring the whole place. The Air Zoo has some super cool planes from a long time ago. There are so many they need two buildings! At the small building I can even see restoration of old airplanes. 

I really like to visit because it is always super fun, and now I know a lot of staff and volunteers. I like making new friends when I visit and go to summer camp. To anyone who hasn’t been to the Air Zoo in a while, or maybe never, I’d tell them it’s awesome and so much fun! Standing on the Blackbird platform is great, especially for paper airplane flying contests. 

Lori B.

We have been Air Zoo members for several years. We first got involved while searching for summer camps for my son. I wanted him to expand his mind instead of being glued to a screen all summer long. He’s enjoyed every summer camp he’s been to, and there have been a LOT. The Air Zoo is also a regular destination for our family outings. When we travel, we like to visit other museums, too. Those visits always remind us how unique the Air Zoo is and how fortunate we are to have the Air Zoo in our community. 

Will B.

The Air Zoo is very fun! There is a lot to do and learn and there are always new things to see. I really like summer camps because there is so much to choose from like dinosaurs, space, engineering and computer programming. I know the camp counselors and a lot of other people there now. And I make new friends there all the time. There aren’t any bullies at the Air Zoo either. It’s nice to be someplace where I don’t have to deal with that. I think the Air Zoo is a great place!