507th history featured at local Air Museum exhibit Published Oct. 9, 2009 By Lt. Col. Rich Curry 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- This weekend, Oct. 9-11, marks a special event for the 507th Air Refueling Wing, formerly the 507th Fighter Group. At this time, a special historical exhibit will be unveiled during "AIRSHO 2009" sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force. The 507th Fighter Squadron Exhibit is touted as a special feature of local interest to the new ACAHOF Gallery. This new exhibit honors the two ACAHOF Honorees Earle Craig Jr. and Earl Rodman, original 507th Fighter Group members, who flew P-47s in the very last, intense days of World War II. Located with the Commemorative Air Force Headquarters at the Midland International Airport, the nationally accredited CAF Airpower Museum houses 40,000 square feet of "hands-on" permanent exhibits that detail the story of World War II airpower. From the rise of German and Japanese militarism before World War II to the introduction of the atomic age, the museum provides interactive exhibits that illustrate aviation concepts and events from every theater of World War II. Admission to the CAF Airpower Museum is free during AIRSHO. The museum is recognized for its collection of authentic World War II artifacts and memorabilia, the CAF Airpower Museum is dedicated to preserving the complete history of World War II military aviation and the memory of the men and women who built, serviced and flew the historic military aircraft of World War II. While visiting the museum, plan on visiting the Aviation Nose Art Gallery. The gallery features 33 pieces of World War II nose art panels, the world's largest collection. The panels were cut from the fuselages of World War II aircraft as they were being scrapped after the war. Giant murals, original video productions, and educational activity stations are also included in this one-of-a-kind collection.