We Could Not Have Done it Without You

The most important and long-lasting institution in Rancho Cordova history has been Mather Field. It would become Mather Air Force Base and today is Mather Airport. For 100 years, Mather has drawn people from around the country and the world live here and shaped us, while protecting and defending our country.

But as the old saying goes, people’s memories are good, but short. And that is what makes the contribution of former Mather Wing Commander Col. Bob Martinelli so important. He is a true Jedi.

Bob’s contributions to Mather have actually spanned more than 30 years. He first came to Mather during the Cold War to train at the beginning of his long career. Years later he returned as its commander to close it down when the peace dividend was paid in 1992.  

Bob’s reverence and respect for the place has only deepened as a member of the California Capital Airshow Board of Directors. So, he was adamant that Mather’s 100th anniversary be properly observed in 2018.  

Bob matched the meticulous attention to detail of an aviator with the dogged determination of a career Air Force officer to help create a marvelous history exhibit.

Devoting hundreds of hours to careful research, while tracking down old friends and comrades who helped build Mather’s century of service, Bob’s work was finally ready to share during the 100-year anniversary of Mather in 2018.

First, at the Mills Station Arts and Culture Center, hundreds of visitors came from near and far to spend hours touring Bob’s exceptional exhibit, reading about Mather’s amazing history, which began in World War I.

The exhibit travels through World War II, Korea, the Cold War and even up to today as the Air National Guard continues to serve the country from the tarmac here in Rancho Cordova.

The exhibit next moved to outdoor display at the California Capital Airshow at Mather, where tens of thousands could read this moving history. Largely due to Bob’s efforts, a collection of the aircraft which flew at Mather were assembled for all to see.  

The exhibit would have had a third viewing on Veterans Day, had smoke from the Paradise wildfires not forced the cancellation of that event in November. It will make another appearance at Memorial Day 2019, and the Aerospace Museum of California is looking for a date to exhibit.

Bob’s distinguished military career alone would make him eligible for honors and gratitude. But this is Rancho Cordova, home to Mather. And that’s what brings us to this point.

Bob, first, thank you for your service to our country. Your exemplary military career speaks for itself, and we are all grateful.

But further, the community of Rancho Cordova owes you thanks for preserving and helping tell the story of the institution that built the community we are today. Through your work, it has been preserved forever in an exhibit that can be visited again and again through the years to come.

Thank you for your determination to tell this remarkable story and for framing the story of Rancho Cordova. Your unique perspective, experiences and talents equipped you like no other for this mission. Indeed, We could not have done it without you.