Brighton Men Continue Dream of Restoring World War II Bomber

After months of planning and preparation, two Brighton Township residents are on their way to fulfilling their dream and mission of restoring a B-25 Mitchell bomber, nicknamed "Sandbar Mitchell."

With the help of volunteers and donations, Patrick Mihlake and Todd Trainor organized an effort to transport the World War II bomber that crash landed in Alaska in 1969 while fighting the Manley Hot Springs fires.

“I’m just a young guy with a passion for World War II aircraft, especially the B-25,” Mihlake said in a Kickstarter video. 

After dismantling the plane in the Alaskan wilderness where it had sat for more than 40 years, pieces of the relic were airlifted, hauled and finally transported by truck to a Brighton hanger where it will be restored, according to a story from the Press & Argus. 

After restoration is completed in Brighton, Sandbar Mitchell will be moved to the Warbirds of Glory Museum, according to the project's website, a not for profit corporation in the State of Michigan, directed and inspired by Mihalek. 

"The future hope is to construct a public hangar-museum at Livingston Country Airport for the public," according to the website.

To learn more about the project or to donate to help complete the restoration, check out the website.