Doug Thorngren

Doug Thorngren brings a unique blend of professional experiences as well as a love of flying and historic aircraft to Cactus Air Force. Born and raised in Iowa, Thorngren was exposed to aviation as a youngster. He took his first plane ride in a J-3 Cub when he was 8 and started flying at 16. When most teens were just getting their driver’s license, Thorngren was getting his private pilot’s license at 17 and

After a stint in the US Army working in helicopter avionics, Thorngren returned to school and studied music. He went on to become a professional musician/drummer, playing around the world with such music greats as: Johnny Mathis, Manhattan Transfer and Henry Mancini. He performed on a number of television shows including Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, Mike Douglas Show, Dinah Shore, Solid Gold as well as many tv specials. Seeking a profession with less travel, Thorngren pursued real estate sales and development in the Los Angeles, California area, eventually landing in Northern Nevada.

Thorngren’s love of aviation runs deep. He has numerous flight hours piloting single engine/small aircraft of his own, also flying T-28’s and T-34’s. When Thorngren was approached by Cactus Air Force to coordinate Cactus Air Force and its Wings and Wheels Museum, growing the museum’s involvement with air shows and increasing public interaction, he jumped at the opportunity.