Greater Seattle Chapter Tours B-17 with WWII Veterans

AFA’s Greater Seattle Chapter hosted an exclusive B-17 interior tour at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Wash., on July 9. Retired Air Force Captain Dick Nelms—an AFA member and World War II pilot who flew B-17 missions over Europe—attended in person and shared stories with AFA members, visitors, and families outside the historic aircraft.

This was a rare opportunity for attendees to explore the interior of the B-17 Flying Fortress, which is not typically open to the public. Thanks to the generosity of the Museum of Flight, admission fees were waived for all AFA attendees.

The event welcomed almost 40 participants, including a second distinguished veteran, Emil Martin, a 102-year-old U.S. Army veteran who served in the Pacific during World War II.

Attendees were encouraged to stay after the tour to explore the Museum’s extensive exhibits. The event supported AFA’s mission by preserving and promoting airpower heritage, while bringing local members face-to-face with living history.