Riverside, CA — Joe Onesty flew 27 missions during World War II. Seven decades later, the 88-year-old needs reinforcements.
Onesty is in charge of finding volunteer docents at the P-38 Museum next to March Air Reserve Base in Riverside. The museum houses the history of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a classic World War II military aircraft.
“The mission is needed badly,” Onesty said in an interview at the museum.
The Seal Beach resident has about a dozen docents he calls on for help.
But he said it’s hard getting volunteers to show up on a regular basis.
Onesty had two World War II vets who were docents. One is in his 90s. The other lives in Oceanside and doesn’t come anymore, Onesty said.
“I’m usually the only one here,” he said.
He said anyone can be a docent.
“They don’t need a military background. They can just like airplanes,” he said.
Onesty said it’s helpful if they have an interest in and knowledge of the P-38. But it’s not required.
He needs docents 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, when the museum is open.
Onesty said he’ll teach docents whatever they need to know.
“We want to educate the younger generation about the plane,” he said.
Information about becoming a docent at the P-38 Museum is available by calling Joe Onesty at 562-431-2901.
Riverside CA air museum seeks volunteer docents