Tulsa Air & Space Museum Launches "Give $16 for the F-16" Challenge to Bring Thunderbird Home for Veterans Day
Oct 8, 2026
The challenge is simple: If 3,750 people donate just $16 each, the museum will reach its $60,000 fundraising goal!
Through Operation: Thunderbird, the museum hopes to transport the aircraft November 8–10, with its anticipated arrival on Veterans Day serving as a special tribute to America's veterans.
The $60,000 campaign will support two critical phases:
- $30,000 — Disassembly, specialized truck transportation from Texas to Tulsa, and reassembly at the museum.
- $30,000 — Engineering, construction, and installation of a stunning arched pedestal that will transform the Thunderbird into a dramatic landmark at the museum's entrance.
"There's something special about giving $16 to bring an F-16 home!" said Tonya Blansett, Executive Director of the Tulsa Air & Space Museum. "We wanted to create a challenge that everyone could be part of. We have a very short window to make this happen, and what better way to honor our veterans than to welcome this magnificent aircraft to Tulsa on Veterans Day?"
The aircraft, F-16C Fighting Falcon, Serial No. 86-0281, previously flew with the legendary U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds during the 2006 season.
Its permanent display will honor generations of Airmen of Tulsa's 138th Fighter Wing, who have flown and maintained the F-16 for more than three decades. The exhibit will also recognize Oklahoma astronaut William R. "Bill" Pogue, who served as a Thunderbird pilot before flying aboard NASA's Skylab 4 mission.
The museum extends its appreciation to the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), Congressman Kevin Hern's office, and Senator Armstrong's office for their assistance in acquiring this historic aircraft.
The countdown is on! With only weeks remaining before the planned transport, TASM encourages individuals, families, businesses, and veterans to become Operation: Thunderbird Partners by accepting the "Give $16 for the F-16" Challenge.
Whether donating $16, $160, $1,600, or any amount, every gift brings the Thunderbird closer to its new home.
GIVE $16 FOR THE F-16!
3,750 donors × $16 = $60,000
Donate today: https://www.tulsamuseum.org/OPERATION-THUNDERBIRD/
ABOUT THE TULSA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
The Tulsa Air & Space Museum preserves Oklahoma's aerospace heritage while inspiring future generations through historic aircraft, aviation and space exhibits, and hands-on STEM education.
Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.
Media Contact:
Tonya Blansett, Executive Director
[email protected]
918-834-9900
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
Source: Tulsa Air and Space Museum
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