Air Force Museum Foundation

09/01/2026

September is National Preparedness Month, and this year’s theme, "Americans Stand Ready", highlights the vital role that individual readiness, service, and civic responsibility play in building resilient communities. When we take proactive steps to safeguard our families and neighbors, we not only protect our loved ones but also bolster the efforts of our brave first responders during times of crisis. Throughout September, we encourage everyone to review emergency plans, update essential supplies, and support community readiness efforts.

09/01/2026

On September 1, 1968, Lieutenant Colonel William A. Jones III was serving as the on-scene commander during a search-and-rescue mission for a downed U.S. pilot near D**g Hoi, North Vietnam. While making low passes in his A-1H Skyraider under heavy antiaircraft fire, Lt Col Jones located the survivor near a fortified enemy gun position. Determined to suppress the enemy threat without endangering the downed pilot on the ground, Lt Col Jones executed multiple strafing passes. During his second attack, enemy fire struck the ejection rocket mounted behind his headrest, igniting the fuselage and filling the cockpit with intense flames. Though severely burned across his face, neck, and hands, and with his radio transmitters disabled, Lt Col Jones refused to bail out. Knowing the survivor's exact location was critical for the rescue effort, he flew his heavily damaged aircraft back to base. Upon landing, Lt Col Jones insisted on passing the vital information to a debriefing officer while on the operating table. Because of Lt Col Jones's selflessness and extraordinary perseverance, the downed pilot was successfully rescued later that day. For his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, Lt Col Jones was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Lt Col Jones survived his wounds and was promoted to full Colonel, but tragically, he died the next year in an aircraft accident in the United States.
Image: Public domain/USAF photo

08/31/2026

Join us Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. for a book signing event at the Air Force Museum Store! John Alvarez and Lisette Alvarez will be onsite for a special signing of their powerful new book, Walk, Run, Fly Again, a remarkable true story of resilience, faith, and the unstoppable will to overcome, no matter the odds.
Don't miss the opportunity to meet them!
Cover image courtesy of the authors

08/28/2026

How do we get to space? 🚀
At the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™, that question is about to take center stage.
Pathways to Space is a proposed transformation of the Museum’s Missile Gallery into an immersive experience exploring the technologies, partnerships, and people behind America’s journey beyond Earth. Follow the link to learn more about Pathways to Space, including ways you can be part of it!

The Foundation is pleased to support a redesign of the Missile Gallery at the Museum called Pathways to Space: Rockets for War and Peace.

08/28/2026

A huge thank you to young aviation fan Christian and his dad! Our Entrance Hall team was thrilled to receive Christian's paper aircraft models, which he generously donated to the Museum. His dad told our team that Christian was up until midnight finishing them up! We think he did a fantastic job. He was also excited to meet Foundation Entrance Hall team member/NMUSAF Museum volunteer, Jerry M., who worked on the SAM 26000 during his time in the USAF.
Thanks again, Christian - we love to meet young visitors excited about Air and Space!

08/27/2026

On August 27, 1990, the Northrop–McDonnell Douglas YF-23, PAV-1 with Pratt & Whitney engines, flew for the first time, piloted by Paul Metz. The flight was conducted at Edwards AFB. This aircraft is now on display in the Research & Development Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™.
The Northrop YF-23A, unofficially named the Black Widow II, emphasized stealth characteristics. To lessen weight and increase stealth, Northrop decided against using thrust vectoring for aerodynamic control as was used on the Lockheed YF-22A. Northrop built two YF-23A prototypes.
Images and information courtesy of the NMUSAF

08/27/2026

Private support helps the Air Force Museum Foundation advance approved priorities that preserve history, honor service, strengthen education, enhance visitor experiences, and inspire future generations.
As the exclusive 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting the National Museum of the United States Air Force™, AFMF provides the fundraising, financial administration, donor stewardship, and accountability needed to turn private generosity into meaningful institutional impact.
Your unrestricted gift gives the Foundation flexibility to respond where private resources can make the greatest difference.
Your support makes it possible.
Make your gift at https://airforcemuseumfoundation.org/supportimpact082726/

08/26/2026

Today is Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 and celebrating the contributions of women in every field — including military aviation. At the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™, visitors can explore the Women in the Air Force exhibit, which tells the stories of groundbreaking service members past and present. You’ll also find the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) exhibit, made possible in part through Foundation support, honoring the courageous civilian women who flew military aircraft in WWII. These stories remind us that aviation history isn’t just about aircraft. It’s about the people who pushed boundaries and opened doors for those who followed.

08/26/2026

Add a piece of handmade art to your home at an affordable price with a unique sparkplug sculpture! https://conta.cc/4glaF5P

Email from Air Force Museum Store Unique Spark Plug Sculptures Add a piece of handmade art to your home at an affordable price with a unique sparkplug sculpture! These unique, hand-made collectible sc

08/26/2026

A veteran of three wars and the first commander of the Misty Fast Forward Air Controllers (FACs), Colonel (later Brigadier General) George "Bud" Day is one of the most highly decorated Airmen in U.S. Air Force history.
On August 26, 1967, Col Day was forced to eject from his aircraft over North Vietnam. Severely injured with a broken arm and sprained knee, he was captured and taken to a prison camp, where he endured brutal interrogation and torture. Demonstrating extraordinary resolve, he escaped into the jungle, trekking south toward friendly territory while surviving on berries and frogs despite additional bomb fragment injuries. After crossing the Ben Hai River into the Demilitarized Zone, a combination of delirium and further enemy ambushes led to his recapture, during which he sustained gunshot wounds.
Returned to captivity, Col Day persistently defied his captors for years, providing false information to interrogators and maintaining active resistance despite being physically debilitated. His unwavering bravery served as an inspiration and saved the lives of fellow service members. For his conspicuous gallantry, intrepidity, and selfless sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty, Col Day was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Image: Portrait of USAF Colonel George Everett "Bud" Day, public domain