The Air Commando Heritage Foundation, Fort Walton Beach, FL, has announced that it has been selected as one of 11 organizations partnering with Lockheed Martin through the company’s five-year, $25 million 25Forward initiative. The partnership will support the development of the future Air Commando Museum on Florida’s Emerald Coast, helping preserve the history of Air Force Special Operations and share the stories of those who served. Through the initiative, the foundation will receive support for its efforts to preserve and share Air Force Special Operations history, honor veterans and educate future generations. Planned for Hurlburt Field’s Memorial Air Park, outside the installation gates, the museum will document the history of Air Commandos from WWII through the present day.
Lockheed Martin has a longstanding connection to Air Force Special Operations through its aircraft, particularly the C-130 family, which became the foundation for Combat Talons and AC-130 gunships. These aircraft have supported generations of Air Commandos in reaching remote locations, resupplying special operations forces, providing lifesaving assistance and bringing personnel home. Through the partnership, Lockheed Martin will also help preserve the stories of the men and women who carried out these missions. “Air Commandos have done extraordinary things for this nation, often with very little recognition,” said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Brad Heithold, chairman of the Air Commando Heritage Foundation. “This museum will give people a chance to know them and understand what they’ve done. Lockheed Martin has helped generations of Air Commandos get the mission done. We’re grateful they’re helping us tell the stories of those men and women and the families beside them.”
Lockheed Martin announced the partnership on October 30 as part of 25Forward, an initiative commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The five-year program brings together 11 organizations working to preserve history, support those who serve and strengthen communities through education and service. The Air Commando Heritage Foundation said it was honored to be included alongside organizations such as the Gary Sinise Foundation, Team Rubicon and the Pentagon Memorial Fund, among others whose work recognizes sacrifice and supports communities across the country.
The planned museum will also provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn about the military history of Florida’s Emerald Coast, where Air Commandos and their families are part of the local community as neighbors, coworkers, volunteers and friends. The foundation hopes the facility will help visitors better understand their service and its connection to the region. Plans for the museum include exhibits and a STEM classroom designed to introduce students to the importance of teamwork, problem-solving and innovation. Through the experiences of Air Commandos, these educational resources will connect lessons from military history with opportunities for future generations to explore STEM and related fields. For more information and to support the Air Commando Heritage Foundation, click on this link: www.aircommandoheritagefoundation.org.
