Meet the people keeping aviation history alive in Pueblo’s Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
At the Pueblo Memorial Airport, most people look to go somewhere else. However, just a few blocks away at the Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, it’s all about going back.
Inside and outside both of Weisbrod’s hangars are fighter planes, bombers, helicopters, and tons of memorabilia. Aviation from World Wars 1 and 2, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Gulf War are all on display.
All of the planes are cared for by volunteers, like 99-year-old Bill Barrett.
“I mainly stay in the gift shop,” said Barrett. “I get to meet all the people when they come in, and I get to say goodbye to them when they leave.”
Not only is Barrett the top salesman at Weisbrod, he also served in the Army during World War 2. As a 22-year old from Kansas, Barrett enlisted just a few weeks after Pearl Harbor was bombed.
Barrett tells KRDO that History was one of his worst subjects in High School. Yet, today he enjoys the living history the Weisbrod has to offer.
“The people who come here reminisce,” said Weisbrod President Michael Wright, who is a 22-year Air Force veteran.
Wright’s long term goal for the museum is that it is open for centuries to come. He believes that the planes and memorabilia have lessons to teach younger generations.
“I emphasize with the kids the courage it took for some of these men and women to do what they did,” said Wright. “When a crew gets on a bomber, for example, this could be their last days on Earth. Yet they did it.”
“They need to know about the history that’s out here,” said Barrett. “I think history is in danger of being forgotten. That’s why we need to keep the museum going out here.”
Barrett will turn 100 in November, and has no plans of missing his Monday, Wednesday and Friday shifts at the Weisbrod gift shop.
“I’m enjoying myself. I’m enjoying life,” said Barrett with a smile. “Who knows how much life I have left?”
The museum now also offers a flight simulator. Any person can sit in a cockpit and virtually fly a jet plane and conduct military-style missions.
If you’d like to learn more about Pueblo’s Weisbrod aircraft museum, its prices, and when you can stop by, visit their website here.
