The Scottsdale Airport is a vital part of this city, a cornerstone of its development and progress. During World War II, the airfield, built for the sole purpose of training U.S. Army Air Corp pilots, was known as Thunderbird Field II. Thunderbird Field II graduated over 5,500 pilots of which 15 – 20% were women. Many of these pilots saw military action in Europe and the Pacific. The school was deactivated on October 16, 1944. The Project The highlight of the new Scottsdale Airport business center and restaurant complex is the Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial. The park-like Plaza, Memorial & Museum includes a monument with information on Thunderbird Field II and its military history. The centerpiece of the Plaza/Memorial is a Stearman PT-17, the aircraft used for training at Thunderbird Field II. Surrounding the monument is a manicured, park-like open space for enjoying the wonderful Arizona weather. – In April of 2017 our non-profit acquired a Boeing-Stearman PT-17 with a manufacture date of 9/11……1941. The aircraft has been painted in the original AAC Blue & Yellow was flown for charity for approximately 18 months. It has been retired and put on permanent display at the Thunderbird Field II Plaza/Memorial at the entrance to the Scottsdale Airport business center and restaurant complex. – The park-like Plaza and Memorial highlights the history of Arizona’s contribution to WWII, Thunderbird Field II, and will provide a tribute to all Veterans. Tbird2 also provides scholarships for Arizona students enrolled in aviation type curriculums at AZ colleges and TB2 supports Dogs4Vets a non-profit helping disabled veterans live a more productive life with the use of service dogs.
