Charlie Wilson's Pomona
Reader Don J. writes:
"An unsung hero of 'Charlie Wilson's War' is the Stingers that Tom Hanks' character provided the muhajedin [in Afghanistan] and that were designed and built right here on the corner of Mission Blvd and the 71 in Pomona at General Dynamics."
He's right. I saw the movie and while Pomona isn't credited, its Stinger missiles are. Incidentally, it's a pretty entertaining flick, one based on actual events.
Don closes with a dismissive comment concerning the old GD site: "I don't think that outlet mall there now contributes anything to the war effort."
UPDATE: I should have noted that the outlet mall closed a few years back, contributing even less to the war effort.
2nd UPDATE: This is unconfirmed, but reader Will Plunkett says: "I'm pretty sure an early scene at an airport was filmed at our very own 'vintage' Ontario Airport curbside."
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A journalist for more than two decades, David Allen has been writing a column for the Daily Bulletin since 1997 and blogging since 2007.He lives in Claremont.
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Is the outlet mall still there? I seem to remember that it had disappeared, but I could be wrong.
[Actually, you're right. -- DA]
Actually, the Stinger missiles were assembled at a facility in San Diego County in remote Sycamore Canyon. Pomona (sensibly) did not want rocket motors and warheads in the city. A scene in the book describes the General Dynamics factory that built guidance and control sections, but in Rancho Cucamonga about 2 miles east of the Daily Bulletin building. The Stinger factory was moved in 1982.
[Maybe this post should be titled "Charlie Wilson's Cucamonga"...? -- DA]