There's a new battle taking place for veterans in the Central Valle; a fight to keep their downtown Fresno museum from going under.
Specht: "They are just stating that they're going to cut the funding to us."
Specht was a photo-mapping specialist in the California air guard from 1958-1964. Last December Specht and other museum directors learned the City of Fresno was cutting nearly $25,000 in funding to this non-profit.
"We'll be able to survive it it's just that we will not be able to advance the quality of the museum," said Specht.
A small scale replica of a B-17 WWII bomber was donated by a Clovis man, it was actually in a Steven Spielberg movie. Naturally it costs money to operate and maintain which is why so many displays like it are in jeopardy here at the museum.
"The hole that we're dealing with right now is in the range of $26-27 Million," said Interim City Manager Bruce Rudd.
Rudd said other non-profits like United Way and Historical Society face similar 50-60% cuts. The mayor is trying to fund the most essential city programs.
Rudd: "Essential priorities, public safety being one of them, we're just not in a position any longer to continue to fund at the current level."
There is some good news for the museum. The city will continue providing utilities such as water and electric per the 1991 lease agreement.
Museum directors hope by July they'll accomplish their fundraising mission to keep this memorial to all veterans alive and well.
