The Palm Springs Air Museum (PSAM) has announced that it will host its 2024 Annual Gala, “Top Secret, Heroes of Modern Tech”, on Feb. 10. The black-tie event is scheduled to commence at 7 p.m. inside the museum, which is situated on the northeast side of the Palm Springs International Airport.
In an Instagram post announcing the event, PSAM stated, “Our yearly Gala stands out as a defining occasion for the Palm Springs Air Museum.” Further emphasizing the significance of this event, PSAM added, “This upscale affair serves as a tribute to these distinguished figures in the aviation realm while also serving as a beneficial fundraising effort to support the museum’s numerous educational projects.”
According to details available on the PSAM website, doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner set to begin at 7 p.m. The evening’s program includes a cocktail reception with appetizers, a gourmet dinner and entertainment and dancing inside two hangars in the museum. Music will be performed by the Elite Show Band.
The website also reveals that Joe Mantegna will serve as the celebrity emcee for the event. Lisa Bell and Marguerita Maassen-Gilbertson have been named as event chairs. Tickets are priced at $525 per person, with sponsor tables also available for reservation.
A list of individuals who will be honored as “Heroes of Modern Tech” at the gala has been released. It includes Lt. Gen. S. Clinton ‘Q’ Hinote, USAF (RET); Maj. W. Blake Bourland, USAF (RET); Col. Alton C. ‘AI’ Whitley Jr., USAF (RET); Col Ralph W. ‘Getch’ Getchell, USAF (RET); Col Lee D Gustin, USAF (RET); Lt Col Joseph A ‘TBag’ Salata, USAF (RET); Lt Col David W Francis, USAF (RET); and Lt Col Doug ‘Rosie’ Rosenstock – USAF (RET). Steve Hinton will receive the Lifetime Achievement award. Artist Steve Anderson, known for his work with Lucasfilm and Disney, has created official portraits for this year’s honorees.
The PSAM is committed to preserving aviation history through its various activities and exhibits. It boasts one of the world’s largest collections of static and flyable aircraft from World War II. For more information, visit: https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/.
