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Operation Final Flight
Only six of the original forty A-26s that were rebuilt for service in Vietnam by On Mark Corporation, Van Nuys CA survive since the war in Southeast Asia. The last Counter Invader to come off of the On Mark production line in 1965 (sn 64-17679), is the last flying Counter Invader in world today! The other five have succumbed to age/metal fatigue and have been retired to static museum displays.
Affectionately named “Special K,” “679” is truly a special plane with a very special mission in its future!
The Sons and Daughters of the “Nimrods” have been offered an opportunity to acquire “679” and fly it as a memorial to the aircrews who gave their lives so selflessly during America’s Secret Air War in Vietnam and Laos during the 1960s. “Special K” will be dedicated to these Nimrods and shared with air show visitors nationwide in a tailored educational program designed to raise public awareness of the Nimrods’ service to our country as well as the history of their plane that served this nation so faithfully through three wars … WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
Our mission, Operation Final Flight, is dependent upon financial support from people and corporations like yourselves who believe as we do that aviation history should be kept alive in the sky above us for our future generation’s education and enjoyment ... not just "preserved" in obscure, isolated museums for only a few to see. This historic plane is the Final A-26 produced, the world’s Final flying Counter Invader, and will be preserved and flown in honor of the aircrews who have taken their Final flights. We wish to offer the public the opportunity to see, hear, touch and feel this magnificent aircraft in its original design habitat. It is truly a sensory experience that cannot be shared in any other way!
Our funding goal is $1,000,000 to acquire and restore the aircraft to its original production condition. Ongoing operating expenses will be supported by our air show appearances and future philanthropic donations. Demand for our presence has already been expressed by air show directors at Oshkosh, the Indianapolis Air Show, and Thunder over Michigan … and requests continue to flow in!
There are many ways you can contribute to Operation Final Flight … and … The A-26 Legacy Foundation offers numerous options to add value to your donation. All contributions are tax-deductible as the Organization is a 501c3 educational foundation. Donations may be made through cash, check or money order ... or MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover through our secure website. Corporate matching opportunities can also be made available which can double the impact of your contribution. Please contact us to inquire about such donations. Ownership shares can be made available too!
Let’s keep the “Special K” Flying! The Nimrod credo is "Any Time .... Any Place." We, the Legacies of these airmen, pledge to honor and abide by this same philosophy … and … look forward to meeting all of you at our future air show appearances near your homes. We thank you in advance for your support!
