Tulsa Air & Space Museum Launches "Give $16 for the F-16" Challenge to Bring Thunderbird Home for Veterans Day
ncarol.com/10340677

TULSA, Okla. - ncarol.com -- TULSA, Okla.  The Tulsa Air & Space Museum is calling on the community to help bring a historic U.S. Air Force F-16 Thunderbird to Tulsa in time for Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, through an exciting fundraising campaign inspired by the aircraft itself: "Give $16 for the F-16!"

The challenge is simple: If 3,750 people donate just $16 each, the museum will reach its $60,000 fundraising goal!

Through Operation: Thunderbird, the museum hopes to transport the aircraft November 8–10, with its anticipated arrival on Veterans Day serving as a special tribute to America's veterans.

The $60,000 campaign will support two critical phases:

• $30,000 — Disassembly, specialized truck transportation from Texas to Tulsa, and reassembly at the museum.
• $30,000 — Engineering, construction, and installation of a stunning arched pedestal that will transform the Thunderbird into a dramatic landmark at the museum's entrance.

"There's something special about giving $16 to bring an F-16 home!" said Tonya Blansett, Executive Director of the Tulsa Air & Space Museum. "We wanted to create a challenge that everyone could be part of. We have a very short window to make this happen, and what better way to honor our veterans than to welcome this magnificent aircraft to Tulsa on Veterans Day?"

More on ncarol.com

• Claude Zdanow named Managing Director in Miami, Florida
• Pregis Launches Sharp InfinX: On-Demand Rightsized Mailing System Delivering a Precision-Sized Mailer for Every Order
• netElastic Announces vBNG And CGNAT 2.0 General Availability
• Postmortem Pathology Highlights Private Autopsy Options for Las Vegas Families During Summer Months
• Postmortem Pathology Offers Sacramento Families Independent Answers on a Short Timeline

The aircraft, F-16C Fighting Falcon, Serial No. 86-0281, previously flew with the legendary U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during the 2006 season.

Its permanent display will honor generations of Airmen of Tulsa's 138th Fighter Wing, who have flown and maintained the F-16 for more than three decades. The exhibit will also recognize Oklahoma astronaut William R. "Bill" Pogue, who served as a Thunderbird pilot before flying aboard NASA's Skylab 4 mission.

The museum extends its appreciation to the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), Congressman Kevin Hern's office, and Senator Armstrong's office for their assistance in acquiring this historic aircraft.

The countdown is on! With only weeks remaining before the planned transport, TASM encourages individuals, families, businesses, and veterans to become Operation: Thunderbird Partners by accepting the "Give $16 for the F-16" Challenge.

Whether donating $16, $160, $1,600, or any amount, every gift brings the Thunderbird closer to its new home.

More on ncarol.com

• AI Is Forcing the Music Industry to Verify Who's Behind the Music. KayeDinero Has Multiple Lanes
• NEW Three Fully Furnished Single-Family Model Homes at Heritage at South Brunswick
• After 35 Years, Christian Radio Host Marina Maria Publishes the Novel She Never Forgot
• Freight Broker 911 CEO and President Milton Collier Is Rebuilding the Path Into Freight Brokerage
• Boston Industrial Solutions Launches New and Improved Siliart Website for Silicone Decorators

GIVE $16 FOR THE F-16!

3,750 donors × $16 = $60,000

Donate today: https://www.tulsamuseum.org/OPERATION-THUNDERBIRD/

ABOUT THE TULSA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

The Tulsa Air & Space Museum preserves Oklahoma's aerospace heritage while inspiring future generations through historic aircraft, aviation and space exhibits, and hands-on STEM education.

Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.

Media Contact:
Tonya Blansett, Executive Director
Info@TulsaMuseum.org
918-834-9900