Evergreen museum to host Brian Shul, SR-71 pilot

The Evergreen Aviation Museum will host aviation legend and SR-71 pilot Brian Shul to provide an unforgettable Father’s Day experience for the whole family.  

Father’s Day festivities will begin on Saturday, June 19 and will continue through Sunday, June 20.  Throughout the weekend, Fathers will enjoy presentations by Shul at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, as well as veteran aircraft presentations, B-17 walk-throughs at $3 per person and cockpit viewings of the SR-71 Blackbird.  Fathers get $1 off the admission price on Sunday, June 20.

The featured Father’s Day dinner event will begin at 6:30pm on Saturday, June 19.  Cost for the event is $25 per adult and $15 per child under 12.  Cost includes dinner, dessert and beverages as well as the opportunity to hear a private presentation by Shul.  Additional activities that evening include a book-signing, an opportunity for children and parents to enjoy the new interactive exhibits, a special raffle with a chance to win a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum, special cockpit viewings and museum tours.  Tickets must be purchased by June 11, 2004 by calling 503-434-4023.

Shul spent 20 years as an Air Force fighter pilot and culminated his flying career by piloting the SR-71 Blackbird for four years.  This was a remarkable accomplishment, since 11 years earlier, he was forced to ride his stricken plane into the jungles of Viet Nam and was severely burned in the crash.  Lucky to survive and be rescued, he spent one year in military hospitals, underwent 15 reconstructive surgeries and was told his flying days were over. Miraculously, Shul returned to active duty and was selected to fly the world’s fastest, highest flying jet.  Only 152 men have ever piloted the SR-71, and Shul was key to providing post-strike reconnaissance during the Libyan Crisis in1986, when he flew an unprecedented three consecutive days against Khaddafi’s terrorist camps.

Shul, also an author, has recently released his most extraordinary book, an unparalleled Limited Edition of the original Sled Driver featuring new stories and photographs, and each of the numbered copies are hand-signed by four prominent crew members.  It is the definitive photo essay on the most remarkable aircraft in the first 100 years of flight, the mighty SR-71.  Books and autographs will be available at the June 19 dinner event.

The Evergreen Aviation Museum’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter. An extensive museum store and friendly café add to the Museum experience. The Museum is located at 500 N.E. Captain Michael King Smith Way about five miles southeast of McMinnville, Ore., on Highway 18 near the airport. Regular visitor admission is required. Call (503) 434-4180 for more information, or visit the museum's website.

FMI: www.sprucegoose.org