The Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing has launched a fundraising drive to raise $10,000 to rebuild a propeller for its T-6 Texan/SNJ trainer, part of the CAF’s national “12 Planes of Christmas” campaign to maintain flying World War II aircraft.
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This week, the Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing reached out to the public for assistance in funding repairs for its T-6 Texan/SNJ, a World War II-era aircraft. The Conroe-based plane has been featured as one of the organization’s highlighted aircraft in its annual “12 Planes of Christmas” campaign.
The nonprofit organization expressed its aspiration to raise $10,000 to fund the reconstruction of a previously used propeller, which is essential to maintaining the SNJ's airworthiness for historic flights and community outreach efforts. In December, the CAF showcased 13 restoration projects nationwide, highlighting the Gulf Coast Wing’s T-6 among the notable aircraft featured.
“The ‘12 Planes of Christmas’ has emerged as a vital component of our fundraising initiatives, enabling us to sustain our mission to ‘Keep ’em Flying,’” stated CAF President and CEO David Oliver, highlighting the campaign’s significance in supporting restorations and maintenance.
The SNJ, a wartime instrument trainer with roots in 1940s Dallas, later found its place at Pensacola Naval Air Station. It has received prior campaign support, including a new engine and equipment modernization. The Gulf Coast Wing announced that the aircraft is now engaged in community outreach, providing historic rides to aid in the preservation of World War II history.
“The SNJ advanced trainer stands as a remarkable World War II veteran, continuing to educate and inspire new generations,” stated Nancy Kwiecien, executive officer of the CAF Gulf Coast Wing. “We are grateful to our supporters for helping this aircraft soar higher than ever; however, we require a spare propeller to maintain her flight.”
Between April and November, the wing travels across Texas and other states, showcasing vintage aircraft exhibitions that attract aviation enthusiasts and school groups alike. According to the organizers, maintaining aging airframes and parts requires ongoing volunteer efforts and donor contributions.
The campaign features additional notable aircraft for 2025, such as a P-40 Warhawk in Dallas, a TBM-3E Avenger in Culpeper, Va., and a PBY Catalina in Superior, Wis. The CAF announced that volunteers spearhead all initiatives, with a focus on preserving the flying fleet for educational and commemorative purposes.
The announcement also referenced a 2022 incident involving the B-17 “Texas Raiders” and a Bell P-63 Kingcobra at the Dallas Air Show, which resulted in the tragic loss of six lives. A tribute monument honoring the victims and the aircraft has been erected at the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park in Conroe.
Supporters can access the Gulf Coast Wing’s “12 Planes of Christmas” page via the Commemorative Air Force website to contribute or gather more information about the T-6 project.
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