A bold new effort is underway to honor and preserve the legacy of the Air Commandos, the elite special operations forces known for executing some of the most daring missions in military history. The Air Commando Heritage Foundation (ACHF) is leading the charge to establish the Air Commando Museum, a facility dedicated to showcasing the heroics, achievements, and sacrifices of these warriors.
This museum will be located within the already established and publicly accessible Air Commando Airpark on Hurlburt Field, Florida, positioned in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, between Pensacola and Destin. It will serve as a national landmark for educating the public, inspiring future generations, and ensuring the stories of Air Commandos—past, present, and future—are never forgotten.
"For over 80 years, Air Commandos have shaped history with courage, adaptability, and innovation," said Bradley Heithold, Chairman of the Board of Directors for ACHF. "This museum will be a place where families reflect on the sacrifices of their loved ones, where visitors leave inspired, and where every visitor walks out wrapped in an American flag. We are ensuring that their legacy endures for generations."
A $20 million, 25,000-square-foot vision, the Air Commando Museum will stand prominently along Highway 98, featuring large digital displays that honor those who have defined special operations since World War II. Unlike traditional aviation museums, this museum is about the people—the Air Commandos themselves—while aircraft remain showcased in the already world-class airpark, which is open to the public.
"This museum will be unlike anything else—it won't just tell the story of Air Commandos, it will bring their experiences to life," Heithold said. "Visitors will walk through immersive exhibits, hear firsthand accounts of daring missions, and witness the incredible impact these warriors have had on history. It's not just about artifacts—it's about the people who shaped the battlefield and changed the world."
While the focus is often on the operators at the tip of the spear, the museum will also pay tribute to the unsung heroes—the support personnel whose expertise makes every mission possible. From intelligence specialists and maintainers to medics and logisticians, these Air Commandos work behind the scenes, embodying the Quiet Professional ethos, never seeking recognition, yet playing an essential role in the success of special operations.
"Many of these stories have never been told," Heithold emphasized. "That changes here. This museum will shine a light on the entire Air Commando community—every operator, every supporter, every mission."
The vision for this museum is a space that honors service and sacrifice while inspiring the future. A state-of-the-art STEM classroom will provide hands-on learning to engage the next generation. A dedicated area for military retirements, ceremonies, and events will ensure this museum remains a living, breathing tribute to those who serve.
"Young people who visit will see the grit, determination, and innovation that define Air Commandos," Heithold added. "They'll see what it means to be part of something greater than themselves, to push the limits of what's possible. And when they leave, they won't just be inspired—they'll want to be the next Air Commando."
Beyond preserving history, the museum will be a point of pride for the panhandle, drawing visitors nationwide, strengthening the bond between the military and the community, and supporting local businesses.
The Air Commando Heritage Foundation has one mission: to raise the funds to build and sustain this museum.
"This is about more than history," Heithold emphasized. "It's about preserving a legacy of valor, service, and sacrifice—not just today, but forever."
For more information on how to donate, get involved, or support the museum project, visit https://aircommandoheritagefoundation.org.
Because legacy and valor should never fade.