# First Air Force One Foundation

> The First Air Force One Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit restoring Columbine II — the 1948 Lockheed VC-121A Constellation that inspired the "Air Force One" call sign — to flight in Bridgewater, Virginia, for veterans, students, aviation enthusiasts, and history-minded Americans nationwide. Tagline: "Preserving the Past. Inspiring the Future."

Columbine II carried President Dwight D. Eisenhower and in 1954 became the first aircraft in American history to use the call sign "Air Force One." Retired from VIP service in 1960 and sold at surplus auction in 1970, the aircraft spent decades in the Arizona desert before arriving in Bridgewater, VA in March 2016 to begin its restoration journey. Dynamic Aviation serves as Lead Restoration Partner, and the restoration team includes master craftsmen, engineers, historians, and advisors from institutions such as the Smithsonian and the Eisenhower Presidential Library. The Foundation's vision is a living, flying museum that tours the nation for airshows, veteran commemorations, and STEM education rather than a static exhibit behind glass.

## Services
- Aircraft Restoration: Every component of Columbine II is being overhauled or replaced to meet modern safety standards while preserving historic authenticity.
- National Touring: Planned display of Columbine II at airshows, veteran commemorations, and educational expos.
- Honoring Veterans: Gathering a community where service members reconnect and are recognized for their impact.
- Student Engagement: STEM initiatives with hands-on programming that introduces youth to careers in aerospace, engineering, and leadership.
- Corporate & Individual Giving: Sponsorship levels of $250,000 (Origins Sponsor), $500,000 (Mission Sponsor), $750,000 (Legacy Sponsor), and $1,000,000+ (Founding Sponsor).
- Legacy Giving: Planned gifts and the President's Legacy Circle for donors who include the Foundation in their estate plans.

## Key Pages
- [The Story](https://www.firstairforceone.org/the-story): Five-era timeline of the aircraft, from its 1948 Lockheed Burbank construction through presidential service, the Arizona desert years, and the current restoration.
- [The Vision](https://www.firstairforceone.org/the-vision): The flying-museum plan — national touring, veteran recognition, and STEM student engagement — plus the Dynamic Aviation restoration partnership.
- [Stories of Air Force One](https://www.firstairforceone.org/stories-of-air-force-one): Long-form history articles on the birth of the "Air Force One" call sign, the Atoms for Peace speech, and the aircraft's rediscovery.
- [Board of Directors](https://www.firstairforceone.org/board-of-directors): Biographies of the Foundation's ten directors, including Chairman Michael Stoltzfus and Mary Jean Eisenhower.
- [Letter From the President](https://www.firstairforceone.org/letter-from-president): Rob Clapper's letter on why Columbine II must be preserved and what it will teach.
- [Ways To Give](https://www.firstairforceone.org/ways-to-give): The four corporate sponsorship tiers and what each level of support funds.
- [Your Gift In Action](https://www.firstairforceone.org/your-gift-in-action): Donor recognition, corporate partnership benefits, and how gifts translate into restoration and programming.
- [Legacy Giving](https://www.firstairforceone.org/legacy-giving): Planned giving and the President's Legacy Circle, including Legacy Wall recognition in Hangar G.
- [News](https://www.firstairforceone.org/news): Restoration updates covering the cockpit, interior, paint prep, and the aircraft's new hangar home.
- [Donate](https://www.firstairforceone.org/donate): Sponsorship and donation options supporting the return of Columbine II to flight.
- [Contact Us](https://www.firstairforceone.org/contact-us): Inquiry routing for corporate partnerships, donors and supporters, and general questions.

## Location & Hours
- Primary address: 1402 Airport Road, Bridgewater, VA 22812
- Donations mailing address: First Air Force One Foundation, P.O. Box 6202, Merrifield, VA 22116

## Contact
- Website: https://www.firstairforceone.org/
- Email: marketing@firstairforceone.org

## Optional
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.firstairforceone.org/privacy-policy)