About Dan
Dr. Dan Desko B.S. PharmD. - B-25 History Project Founder and C.E.O, Webmaster: I am an avid singer, songwriter, and photographer. Currently, I work as a clinical pharmacist for a national infusion company. I am also the President of the Wyandotte County Historical Society and I sit on the board of the Kansas City Warbirds. I am the proud grandson of Harry and Alice Desko. Growing up, I did not know about the B-25 bomber. For that matter, I was unaware that they were made right here in my back yard. I never would have expected that the B-25 would later shape my life in the way I know now it has.
My B-25 Story started back in December of 1989 when my grandfather sent the first newsletter to some former employees of the North American Aviation plant in Kansas. One evening when I visited, he was stuffing and writing addresses on what seemed to be to be an unsurmountable stack of envelopes. I quickly decided there had to be a better way. Being new with computers, I had a just printer and a word processor. After a bit of tinkering, I was able to print the addresses on labels relatively easily.
Over the years, as my computer knowledge increased (as well as my processor speed) so did my involvement with the newsletter. In addition to maintaining the database of over 900 former bomber builders, pilots, and other B-25 enthusiasts, I took on other projects. As the organization worked to raise money to fund the Bomber Builders Memorial, I helped develop all of the mailing and graphics that were used to design the final monument. I also re-designed the newsletter logo to make it more "professional looking".
My grandparents have since gone but I carry their torch to this day. This website is the latest incarnation of that drive and spirit. I was raised to not know the meaning of "can't". I am only familiar with "don't know how" and "don't want to". In this case, not only do I know how, but I want to. I was taught the bomber builder's values (Pride, Patriotism, Teamwork, and Sacrifice) even before I knew who they were.
Currently, in addition to this website, I am intimately involved in many projects to preserve and honor the history of the B-25 and the men and women who built, flew, and maintain them. Although I would not say I am a writer, I have taken on the task of writing articles for the Wyandotte County Historical Journal. I have prepared and presented many presentations on the history of the B-25 as well as the history of the Fairfax bomber plant. I have been interviewed for documentaries and provided information for countless news articles over the years. I am also involved with airshow planning. Recently, I have been asked to consult and build displays for several museums.
Behind the scenes, I constantly research and preserve the history of the B-25. I am currently digitizing and assembling thousands of historical documents pertaining to the B-25. This includes an almost complete digital collection of North Ameri-Kansans and Skylines magazines. My goal is to assemble as many digital documents as possible into one location and make those documents available for research. To that end, I have configured a cloud server to help facilitate the sharing of digital information. The B-25 History Project archives are not just digital. I am also the curator for an archive of thousands of B-25 related historical artifacts. These artifacts range from historical photographs and articles to physical items from B-25s and the men and women who built them.
I would like to take a few minutes to thank the rest of the people involved with this project. I am a dreamer and this is my dream. This project would not be possible without the dedication and assistance of an ever growing number of people that share my vision. I have been impressed with the drive and cooperation each and every one of you has shown me. The "Bomber Builders" would be proud.