Air Commando Heritage Foundation Named Partner in Lockheed Martin’s $25 Million Initiative
Image courtesy of Lockheed Martin
The Air Commando Heritage Foundation is one of 11 organizations partnering with Lockheed Martin through its five-year, $25 million 25Forward initiative, bringing national support to the future Air Commando Museum on Florida’s Emerald Coast.
The foundation will receive support through the initiative to preserve and share Air Force Special Operations history, honor those who served, and educate future generations. Planned for Hurlburt Field’s Memorial Air Park, outside the installation gates, the museum will tell the stories of Air Commandos from World War II to today.
Lockheed Martin’s connection to that history spans decades. Its aircraft, including the C-130 family that became the foundation for Combat Shadows, Commando IIs, Combat Talons, and AC-130 gunships, have helped generations of Air Commandos reach remote locations, resupply special operations forces, provide lifesaving support, and bring people home. Through this partnership, the company is helping preserve the stories of those who carried out these missions.
“Air Commandos have done extraordinary things for this nation, often with very little recognition. 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.”
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Brad Heithold, Chairman, Air Commando Heritage Foundation
Lockheed Martin announced the partnership Oct. 30 as part of 25Forward, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The initiative brings together organizations working to preserve history, support those who serve, and strengthen communities through education and service.
The foundation is honored and feels deeply blessed to be included alongside organizations such as the Gary Sinise Foundation, Team Rubicon, the Pentagon Memorial Fund, and others whose work honors sacrifice and serves people across the nation.
For the Emerald Coast, the museum will also be a place to discover the history within its own community. Air Commandos and their families are neighbors, coworkers, volunteers, and friends. The museum will help residents and visitors understand their service and its connection to the place so many call home.
Planned exhibits and a STEM classroom will create opportunities for students to explore how teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation help people accomplish extraordinary things. Through the experiences of Air Commandos, the museum will connect lessons from the past with possibilities for the next generation.
About the Air Commando Heritage Foundation
The Air Commando Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for and assisting in the development and sustainment of the Air Commando Museum. The Foundation’s vision is to honor and inspire past, present, and future Air Commandos by building and sustaining a museum celebrating their courage, innovation, and sacrifice. Through preserving and sharing their stories, the Foundation seeks to educate visitors, instill pride in the community, and inspire the next generation to carry forward the Air Commando legacy.