ROOSEVELT COUNTY ACCEPTING DONATIONS TO RESTORE F-111 FIGHTER JET DISPLAY IN PORTALES
A project to restore the F-111 fighter jet static display on the west entry to Portales is now under way and seeking donations, according to officials from the Roosevelt County Community Development, Corp, the Roosevelt County Chamber and City of Portales.
The project got its kick-start when retired MSgt. John E. Book contacted Portales City Manager Sarah Austin about the aircraft. The display is on loan to the City of Portales from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and is located on city property in the median between West First and Second Streets (U.S. 70) near the traffic light at Ave. K. Book, who lives in Clovis, was concerned by the condition of the aircraft, which is in bad need of repainting and repair.
According to newspaper stories it has been well over a decade since the bird was repainted. Estimates for repair and painting by an approved vendor are approximately $28,000 and the money needs to be raised outside of the city budget with donations or grants. The Roosevelt County Community Development Corp. has been designated to accept the donations, since that organization is a 501c3 and can provide tax deductible donation letters to those seeking a tax write-off on the donation. The Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce will also have a donation portal on its website that will accept donations made with a credit card.
“We have a very strong connection with Cannon Air Force Base and Portales and Roosevelt County continues to be a vibrant military community,” said Chamber Executive Director Karl Terry. “This important war bird occupies a very prominent spot at our entrance from the west and we need to make sure it is preserved. We urge community members and veterans to chip in what they can to make this project happen.”
To make a donation make checks payable to:
RCCDC
100 S. Ave A
Portales, New Mexico 88130
Or visit: www.portales.com
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