The Aircraft Maintenance Technicians Association (AMTA) announces that it has achieved its goal of raising the funds necessary to purchase a bronze bust of Charles E. Taylor which will be donated to the Smithsonian Institute's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. AMTA director Kenneth MacTiernan says "I am happy and amazed at the speed at which we were able to achieve our donation goal. This was due to the generosity and support of those who contacted the AMTA with their donations." (A list of donors can be seen on the AMTA web site's Smithsonian Museum Donation Progress page at www.amtausa.com. McTiernan adds, "The AMTA is grateful for this strong show of support in helping to educate the public about a man history ALMOST forgot."
Due to the rapid response of donations the AMTA is aware that other donations will still wish to be made. The AMTA is still accepting contributions which will be earmarked for the purchase of a third bronze bust of "Charlie" which it plans on donating to Wright State University. Donations may also be made to the AMTA to be used for other events other than bust purchases/donations.
The AMTA is now in the process of coordinating with Dr. Tom Crouch, Senior Curator, Aeronautics and Linda Hicks, Special Events Coordinator of the Smithsonian Institute regarding a time and date in which it can donate and unveil the bust of Charles E. Taylor.
