Museum displays Air Force heritage, history

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • Air Force Print News
DEL RIO, Texas (AFPN) --  Honoring the history and heritage of the Air Force is a passion of a group of veterans in this quiet town near Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

The Laughlin Heritage Foundation Museum is run by a small group of dedicated people -- many with extensive ties to the Air Force through past military and civil service.

One of those people is retired Col. Victor Milam, who served three tours in the Vietnam War as a U-2 "Dragon Lady" pilot. Colonel Milam, who retired from the Air Force in 1975 and is the treasurer of the Laughlin Heritage Foundation, said the museum is a way to display items the foundation had accumulated over the years.

"We had all of these great items in storage just collecting dust," Colonel Milam said. "This space was donated to us by a local businessman and gave us a way to show these great pieces of history to the public."

The museum does not have any aircraft yet, but displays include an engine from a U-2, a seal from Laughlin's old flight control tower and small scale models of past aircraft. Newspaper clippings and maps adorn the walls throughout the two-room area. Since opening six months ago, the space is filling up quickly. There are plans to start rotating exhibits so all of the items have a chance to be seen.

Volunteers, who run the museum, built the wooden plywood exhibits that many items are displayed on. The lack of paid employees limits the museum's operating hours to three hours on Saturdays.

Items in the museum cover many different eras of Air Force history, which include the Strategic Air Command and the history of Laughlin. A poster on the wall lists the military members associated with Laughlin who have been promoted to the rank of brigadier general and above.

Numerous items are associated with the U-2, including an ejection seat, camera cart, engine and a small scale model. Another item of interest is a Japanese scroll from a Kamikazi pilot. Other items from the World War II era include maps of flight paths.

The veterans do not want Laughlin's rich past to fade.

"Laughlin has always been a place of excellence," said James Long, chairman of the board for the foundation. "Throughout its history the base has had the cream of the crop when it comes to people; excellence is nothing new to this base. It is great to show a person the base's long distinguished history."

Just as valuable as the exhibits are the friendly and knowledgeable heritage foundation members eager to greet visitors, answer questions and get feedback about the museum. The veterans love to share "war stories" or talk about their museum.

Showing the proper appreciation of those who served and continue serving is something foundation members take seriously.

"People need to know the sacrifices people have made to keep this country safe," said foundation president Dick Wolff. He served five years in the military during Vietnam and 33 years of civil service ending in 1999, working on the pneudraulic systems of various aircraft.

"Helping spread awareness of these people is a great cause," he said.