Inside the Airlift Legacy – October Updates
Dear {{contact.first_name}},
So much has happened since the last newsletter, and I’m excited to share some of it with you.
In August and September, I spent five weeks in Berlin and had the opportunity to speak with many people who were children during the Berlin Airlift—listening, learning, and gathering their memories for my next Airlift book, Voices of the Berlin Airlift.
I also visited Washington D.C. for the first time. Between exploring the city and sightseeing, I spent a few hours at the Library of Congress, diving deep into General Tunner's documents, maps, etc. - yes, I was in full research-nerd mode and loving every minute of it!
And to top it off, I was honored to attend the German Embassy’s garden party, celebrating the 35th anniversary of German reunification—a reminder of just how far this story reaches.
Keep reading for more behind-the-scenes moments, exciting updates from airlift organizations around the globe, and new voices joining the journey.
Feeling truly inspired,
Bibi
🔔BERLIN REPORT🔔
Echoes of the Airlift:
Voices of the Berlin Airlift™
Project in Motion
I recently returned from five weeks in Berlin, where I spent my days meeting and listening to stories from people who lived through the Berlin Airlift. They were children at the time, and once they started talking, the memories just came—sometimes it only took a gentle question. The conversations were emotional for them, and for me, too. There were moments of silence, moments of laughter, and a few where tears came unexpectedly.
Some of you reading this newsletter helped make those conversations possible by connecting me with people you knew who had lived through the Airlift or had family who did. You know who you are —Thank you!!!
Others I found through hours of online research or organizations like the Zeitzeugenbörse (Eyewitness Bureau), which helps connect historians and researchers with eyewitnesses to major historical events. However the connections were made, I’m grateful for every one of them.
It’s been an incredibly enriching journey. I hope to capture the essence of this critical chapter of history—not just the scale of the operation, but the human side of it. The courage, the everyday experiences, the things and moments that stayed with the people for a lifetime.
If you know someone who has a story to share, or if you’d like to contribute yourself, please reach out—or feel free to pass along my email to anyone who might want to be part of this project.
More information about this book project:
https://wings-of-freedom.com/voices-airlift-en
SHARE YOUR BERLIN AIRLIFT STORY
📝 BLOG FEATURE 📝
LIBRARY MAGIC & AIRLIFT GOLD
Okay, I’m officially a nerd. A happy one. A very happy one.
I recently spent hours—seriously, hours—in the Library of Congress in Washington, buried in boxes and folders full of old paper, and I was practically giddy flipping through General Tunner’s personal files from the Berlin Airlift.
But let me back up a little …
DISCOVER WHAT I FOUND - READ THE FULL BLOG
🌍NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE🌍
United States
THE CANDY BOMBER FOUNDATION
A message from Denise Halvorsen:
"The "Hope Flies High" annual Candy Bomber Foundation Gala was held in the Salt Lake City, Utah State Capitol building Rotunda on Oct 11, 2025.
We enjoyed a jazz combo and a performance by a choir from the University of Utah. Kirby Heybourne, local celebrity and actor, was the Master of Ceremonies. We enjoyed playing a trivia game (David Williams, my husband, won second place!), and there was a silent auction going on as well. The food was delicious, and the setting in the Capitol Rotunda, incomparable!
Keynote speaker for the Gala was USAF General (Ret.) Jacqueline van Ovost. She is a very dynamic and passionate speaker, and was the General who oversaw the evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021.
USAF General (Ret.) Mike Minihan (Mini) in his role as President of the Candy Bomber Foundation spoke in his own powerful way! Both talked about the importance of inspiring HOPE in future generations.
"Spirit of the Candy Bomber Awards" were given
to the following individuals:
Bradford James Brown,Legacy of Service Award
Tim Chopp,Skymaster Award
Jennie Taylor,Community Impact Award
General Jacqueline van Ovost,Global Leadership Award
Air Tanker Association,Mission Builder Award"
More Information: https://www.thecandybomber.org/
BERLIN AIRLIFT HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Take a ride back in time ...
This foundation's restored C-54, Sprit of Freedom, isn’t just an aircraft—it's a flying museum that tells the story of the Berlin Airlift and pays tribute to the men and women who made the Berlin Airlift possible.
The final events for 2025 include two upcoming appearances, concluding with the beloved annual candy drop in Manteo, North Carolina, where the legacy of the Candy Bomber continues to delight and inspire.
More info at:
www.spiritoffreedom.org
Check for updated schedule:
http://www.spiritoffreedom.org/schedule.html
GERMANY
GAIL HALVORSEN SCHOOL
Berlin
Freshmen to Fassberg
"It was a first in the history of the Gail S. Halvorsen School in Berlin. With the help of Denise Halvorsen, all new students at the Halvorsen School in Berlin participated in a 3-day team-building trip to the Airlift Museum in Fassberg. They took part in interactive airlift-games conducted by Ludger Osterkamp, visited the museum and learned about the airlift.
Students also had the opportunity to visit the local partner-elementary school, where the Principal, Heike Conrads, and the amazing bilingual school choir welcomed them. An unforgettable event, thanks to Denise Halvorsen!"
Dr. Monika Floyd
Gail Halvorsen Schule
More Information about the School:
https://www.halvorsen-schule.net/
FASSBERG AIRLIFT MUSEUM
Fassberg Airlift Museum visits Salt Lake City, Utah
Representatives from the Fassberg Airlift Museum, Martin Sagehorn and Paul Hicks, traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, as honored guests of the Candy Bomber Foundation’s “Hope Flies High” Gala, held at the Utah State Capitol.
From their Press Release: “Our presentations were very well received and met with a great deal of empathy. We are very proud of that. We would also like to thank everyone who made this trip possible and took care of the organization on site."
"Overall, the Fassberg Airlift Museum received a lot of recognition and praise for its museum work in keeping the ‘Spirit of the Airlift’ alive,” said Martin Sagehorn and Paul Hicks in unison, who jointly represented the Fassberg Airlift Museum in Utah.
The two were invited to Salt Lake City to attend the annual “Hope Flies High” gala as guests of the Candy Bomber Foundation and to commemorate the legacy of Gail S. Halvorsen. This gala took place at the Utah State Capitol Building and served to raise capital for many important projects supported by the foundation."
In addition to commemorating the legacy of Gail Halvorsen, they gave presentations on the Berlin Airlift at local schools and military institutions, including Brookhaven Elementary, the Utah Military Academy, and Brigham Young University. The museum’s efforts to preserve the Spirit of the Airlift were met with great interest, recognition, and heartfelt support throughout the visit.
More Information about the Fassberg Airlift Museum:
https://www.luftbrueckenmuseum.de/
BERLIN AIRLIFT 1948-1949 ASSOCIATION
"Our annual general meeting took place at the Euler Museum in Griesheim. We reflected on numerous past events and looked ahead to planned ones. Our board was re-elected, except for one member who is no longer available due to age. However, he will continue to advise us behind the scenes. We are delighted to welcome a new member who has expressed interest in assisting with organizational matters. We discussed many things, and we are adapting to the times. Our new website will go online soon. For now, you can connect with us on Facebook. We offer guided tours of the memorial and the Steinkopf crash site for groups and clubs, a new opportunity to raise awareness of the Airlift. We are expanding our circle.
Our dear Celeste sadly passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025. We mourn deeply with her relatives. She did a great deal of volunteer work throughout her life, at the USO, for American soldiers, and for us. Her funeral will take place on October 31 in Gernsheim, followed by a meal in Biblis. We have planned our Christmas party for December 13 in Mörfelden."
Susanne Kornegay
Secretary
"A small group of airlift enthusiasts was given a guided tour of the Halvorsen Tower at Clay Kaserne. The guide gave us a very detailed tour. On the ground floor, there is an exhibition about Gail Halvorsen. Upstairs, there is a lot of technology and live action. We were also allowed to visit the halls and buildings on the apron. American history, German history, and shared contemporary history, paired with a lot of technology ... wonderful!"
Susanne Kornegay
More Information about the Berlin Airlift 1948-1949 Association:
https://www.facebook.com/Luftbruecke
MICHAEL SEIDENBERG'S PRESENTATION
AT THE BLACKHORSE MUSEUM
IN FULDA, GERMANY
At the invitation of the director of the Blackhorse Museum Fulda, the Airlift Association traveled to Fulda with a delegation of four members. The lecture took place at the former Rod & Gun Club of the Fulda Garrison, a historically fitting location. Association member Michael Seidenberg gave a lecture on the Berlin Airlift lasting a good hour.
MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM
BERLIN-GATOW
Scenes from Gatow
Stories Take Flight at Airport Fest
This summer, I had the chance to visit the annual Airport Fest at the Militärhistorisches Museum Flugplatz Berlin-Gatow, one of the original Airlift airports. For two days, the museum opened its hangar doors—normally closed to the public—and offered visitors a rare, behind-the-scenes look at exhibits and depots filled with aviation history.
One of the highlights for me was spending time at the Luftbrückenmuseum Faßbergtent. They had invited eyewitnesses to gather and share their experiences, and the result was a series of powerful, emotional conversations. I met new people, heard unforgettable stories, and made meaningful connections for the Voices of the Airlift project.
It's events like these that show just how alive this history still is, especially when shared face to face.
More information about the Military History Museum Berlin-Gatow:
https://www.mhm-gatow.de/en
TEMPELHOF PROJEKT GmbH
Berlin
Storytelling Café
Tempelhof Airport has always been more than just a place for takeoffs and landings — it’s a place full of memories, emotions, and personal stories. From October 2025 to March 2026, the THF Tower, the airport’s former control tower, will open its doors once a month for a special Erzählcafé (Storytelling Café). In a relaxed atmosphere, guests are invited to share their memories, listen to others, and exchange what Tempelhof means to them.
From their website:
"Tempelhof Airport is full of stories, and we want to hear yours. From October to March, our storytelling café in the THF Tower opens its doors once a month.
Come by, share your memories, listen, get to know each other or meet up again – and discover what this place means to so many people.
🎟️ Free admission
📅 October 30, 2025, 4 p.m.
📍 In the THF TOWER
❗ More information is available here:
https://www.thf-berlin.de/erzaehlcafe-ihre-tempelhof
📩 Registration:[email protected]
No time? Tell us your story over the phone +49 30 2000 374 261 (Thursdays 10–16 Uhr) oder per E-Mail [email protected].
Share memories. Hear stories. Experience Tempelhof old and new."
Send a Little Airlift Spirit This Christmas
The most colorful season of the year is just around the corner. Last year, I sent out a Wings of Freedom Christmas card, and so many of you reached out to say how much you loved it. I’ve had quite a few people ask if it’s available for purchase - this year, it is!
The card is now available for purchase, just in time for your holiday mail. It’s a simple, heartfelt design inspired by the spirit of the Berlin Airlift—something meaningful to send this season.
More Information:
https://wings-of-freedom.com/shop
Until we meet again
As always, thank you for coming along on this journey with me. Every story, every conversation, every connection helps carry the legacy of the Berlin Airlift a little further.
Until next time, stay curious, stay kind, and keep the memory flying.
With gratitude,
