Our Journey
The Warbirds of Glory Museum was formed to restore and fly period aircraft and offer a unique educational opportunity to understand the Second World War experience while mentoring youth in mechanical skills, aircraft restoration, and American values.
Our flagship project—the B-25 Mitchell bomber recovered from an Alaskan sandbar and known as the Sandbar Mitchell—continues to advance in our New Hudson hangar with the help of dedicated volunteers and student apprentices.
Through hands-on training in basics, CAD/CAM, machining, and airframe work, students learn trades that matter while contributing directly to living history.
We preserve history through restoration, mentor through apprenticeship, and honor through our Guardians of History collections—artifacts and stories that keep the past present.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization located at Oakland Southwest Airport (Y47) in New Hudson, Michigan, supported primarily by volunteers and donors who believe in our mission.
Founder & President, Patrick Mihalek
Patrick’s aviation background started at a young age. At the age of twelve, he received his first Warbird ride in a Stearman Bi-plane and forever was hooked on Warbirds. Joining both the Experiential Aircraft Association and the Aviation Explorers opened new doors for young Patrick. He spent time volunteering at the Yankee Air Force Museum with their B-17G Flying Fortress restoration project and other aviation related events. He quickly became a Young Eagle and attended four summers of EAA Air Academy: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and First Flight. Throughout Patrick’s childhood he was always very mechanical, learning skills handed down from his grandfather.
Patrick attended Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation and graduated in April 2007 with a Bachelors degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. He continued to study Computer-aided Design Engineering, then attended and graduated the highly ranked Federal Exams Aviation Ground School with his Airframe and Powerplant certificates. As a mechanic, Patrick specializes in vintage aircraft, tube & fabric, sheet metal, and engine maintenance. His work experience includes maintenance and restoration on many types of vintage aircraft and Warbirds.
Vice President, Sean Farrelly
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OUR CREw
Principals & Biographies
The Warbirds of Glory Museum is a publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all contributions and donations to the museum are fully tax-deductible. We are governed by a voluntary Board of seven individuals with expertise in aviation, vintage aircraft restoration, logistics, finance, education, legal and marketing. Directors arechosen by other Directors and serve three-year terms. The President is a member of the Board and is the principal manager of the day-to-day operations. Biographies are available upon request.
Patrick Mihalek | Museum Founder, Director FAA Certified A&P Mechanic
Allen Tucker | Board Chairman Retired Chief Financial Officer of Ascension Health
Gordon Steele | Development Cmte Chair Retired Vice President, Consulting Services
Lance Lewis | Secretary Professor & administrator at Northwood University
John Shallman | Member President Harness LLC
Ron Asman | Member Retired Training Officer, Ohio Dept of Transportation
Leah Kucharek | Member President Red Hen Design
Financial Responsibility
The Museum maintains strong financial governance with Finance Committee overseeing all financial affairs.
Monthly financial statements are prepared and reviewed each Board meeting. The Museum files annual Form
990 tax returns with the IRS. Warbirds of Glory Museum maintains insurance coverage commensurate with its
scope of operations and facility arrangements.