Hello from a fellow enthusiast!

[MikeGazdik]

Hello. Im not a pilot, just a wanna-be. I have been into WWII aviation for 25 to 30 years. A now deceased grandfather of mine was a waist gunner on a B-17. (351st Bomb group, 8th AF ) When I was about 12 years old, I found an old book of his, "Flying Forts", by Martin Caidin. Have not stopped reading or learning since that time. Im now 41.

I have spent a stupid amount of time and money reading, buying books, watching films, airshows, anything I can find. I have never been able to afford getting a private pilots license, but I ain't dead yet... someday maybe.

My true love is the fighters. I love them all. I have some "favorites", but I try to be objective when discussing thier merits. Look forward to some engaging convo on the subjects and looking forward to learning more.

 

[seesul]

Welcome to the forum Mike!
Greeting from Czech Republic8)
Looking at your surname I´d bet your great grandfather came from Czech or Slovak Republic to USA. I had a teacher with the same surname...

 

[MikeGazdik]

You are very correct. Fackov, Slovakia is where I have traced the name. My name is not spelled exactly like that right now, it was changed over time. Someday I do wish to have it corrected. Someday, likely once I retire, I will be coming your way. I really want to see the Czech Republic and Slovakia. I was in Germany while in the Military years ago. I love Europe.

Are there many museums showing the histories of the countries, and also thier involvement in WWII ?

 

[Thorlifter]

Greetings. Welcome to the site.

 

[Lucky13]

Greetings mate!

 

[snafud1]

Greetings friend. You should have a lot of fun on here then.

 

[Airframes]

Welcome from England to another Mike. That's two new ones in one day!
Terry.

 

[Wildcat]

Welcome aboard Mike

 

[Wayne Little]

G'day mate welcome aboard!

 

[seesul]

You are very correct. Fackov, Slovakia is where I have traced the name. My name is not spelled exactly like that right now, it was changed over time. Someday I do wish to have it corrected. Someday, likely once I retire, I will be coming your way. I really want to see the Czech Republic and Slovakia. I was in Germany while in the Military years ago. I love Europe.

Are there many museums showing the histories of the countries, and also thier involvement in WWII ?

2 of the museums you should see. One of them in my born town (Slavicin), amother one 3 miles away (Sanov). Both of them and also the town where I live today (Zlin) are on Czech/Slovak boarder...
http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/aviation/august-29-1944-museum-slavicin-czech-republic-9884.html
http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/aviation/august-29-1944-museum-sanov-czech-republic-9882.html
Later I´ll post few more links on another museums...

 

[Wurger]

Welcome Mike to the forum.Greetings from Poland.

 

[Gnomey]

Welcome!

 

[rochie]

welcome mike

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

Welcome. Do not be a one post wonder. Stick around and contribute.

 

[Messy1]

Greetings and welcome to the forum Mike!

 

[Njaco]

Welcome to the forum from the East Coast Mike!

 

[seesul]

Hello Mike!

One link more- an Aviation museum in Prague. The main menu is in English but the text n in Czech-sorry. Anyway, should you follow the single links on this site you can see which A/C´s do they have there....
VHÚ Praha - Letecké muzeum Kbely - Expozice

 

[seesul]

And one museum more- a Tank Museum in Lesany (very close to Prague)
VHÚ Praha - Vojenské technické muzeum Lešany - Expozice