The Gathering Foundation shares aviation history with Osceola Schools.
The Gathering Foundation based in Stallion 51 Flight operations at the Kissimmee Gateway airport mission is to gather and preserve the legacy of the men and machines that fought WWII and share that rich history with our school children.
One of the ways The Gathering Foundation has supported their mission has been through the collection and publication of the first hand accounts of the P-51 Mustang pilots and their support crew.
The book, “Legends in the Air” profiles the men and women who flew and serviced the P-51 Mustang in WWII. 51 legends are featured in the book describing their first hand experiences in WWII.
The Gathering Foundation has donated three copies of the “Legends in the Air” book and “Gathering of Mustangs and Legends-The Final Round up” WWII posters to every school library in Osceola school district. “The Gathering Foundation and Stallion 51, that offers people the opportunity to actually fly a P-51 Mustang, are dedicated to keeping aviation history alive, exciting and accessible to everyone.” explains Angela West, Director of The Gathering Foundation.
“The OASIS (Osceola Adults Serving and Inspiring Students) program is the perfect vehicle for local businesses to interact and contribute to the students of Osceola county. “ Judy Alexander Partners in Education Specialist explains. The OASIS program’s motto is “Working Together For Children”.
One of the many ways they fulfill that promise is to oversee the 12,000 volunteers that help in the Osceola County school classrooms each year. Another important aspect of the OASIS is the Partners in Education program that brings an opportunity for the business community to make a positive difference in education through employee volunteerism, sponsorships and donations. “The Gathering Foundation’s donation of the Legends in the Air book will give students the opportunity to hear about aviation history from those who made it.” Angela West is proud to share.
Just as fighter pilots “formed up” in WWII to make a difference, so are the OASIS program and The Gathering Foundation forming up to make a difference in the education of Osceola’s students.