Air Commando Heritage Foundation

06/15/2026

Commando Chronicles: Operation CARPETBAGGER

The night was black. The enemy controlled the ground below. Somewhere in occupied Europe, resistance fighters waited in silence, listening for the sound of aircraft overhead.

They never knew exactly when help would arrive.

Under the cover of darkness, specially modified B-24 Liberators crossed hostile skies carrying supplies, equipment, and hope. Flying dangerous clandestine missions from the United Kingdom, the Carpetbaggers of the 492nd Bombardment Group supported resistance forces deep behind enemy lines during World War II.

These Air Commandos relied on innovation, courage, and determination to accomplish missions few others could. With little margin for error, they navigated hostile territory to deliver critical supplies to those fighting for freedom.

The 492nd Bombardment Group is a direct ancestor of today’s Air Commandos, and their legacy lives on in every generation that follows.

Preserving stories like these is why the future Air Commando Museum matters.

Unconventional then. Unconventional now.

06/08/2026

Our next Air Commando Heritage Foundation newsletter lands June 15!

If you’d like the latest updates on the future Air Commando Museum, project milestones, community events, and ways to get involved, be sure you’re signed up today.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who has supported this mission so far. Every donation, share, conversation, and word of encouragement helps bring us one step closer to preserving the legacy and valor of America’s Air Commandos.

Sign up today and join us on the journey! aircommandoheritagefoundation.org

06/02/2026

05/29/2026

Happy Friday!

We wanted to take a moment to thank every individual, family, and organization that has contributed to the future Air Commando Museum. Your support is making a difference!

While we’ve made tremendous progress, we’re still in the early chapters of this journey. Each donation helps us move closer to creating a place where future generations can learn about the courage, sacrifice, and service of Air Commandos from World War II to today.

If you’d like to be part of building history, we’d be honored to have your support.

The mission continues. JOIN US! Learn how: aircommandoheritagefoundation.org

05/23/2026

As Memorial Day weekend begins, we pause to remember the brave Americans who never made it home.

For Air Commandos, the mission has always been bigger than ourselves. Freedom has been carried forward by quiet professionals willing to go anytime, anyplace, anywhere…no matter the cost.

At the future Air Commando museum, these stories of courage, sacrifice, legacy, and valor will never be forgotten.

Honor them this weekend. Tell their stories. Say their names. God bless all our incredible warriors.

05/19/2026

Thank you to the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival for letting us be part of this awesome 2-day family event at the landing. Such a gorgeous venue and we had a blast talking with the community about the future Air Commando Museum! Everyone seems just as excited as we are ❤️

Head to this link aircommandoheritagefoundation.org to learn more and to be part of building history with us!

05/15/2026

Come see us at the Billy Bowlegs Festival, Fort Walton Beach!! We are near the water to the right of the amphitheater 😎 ARRRRGH!! 🏴‍☠️

We will be there tomorrow too :-)

05/13/2026

🏴‍☠️ The pirates are returning to Fort Walton Beach… and the Air Commandos will be there too!

The Air Commando Heritage Foundation is excited to be part of the 70th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival at The Landing in downtown Fort Walton Beach. Stop by BOOTH #33 and learn more about the future Air Commando Museum and the legacy and valor of America’s Air Commandos.

This year’s Captain Billy is retired AIR COMMANDO Rique Gwin, making this year’s celebration especially meaningful for our military community. The festival is also embracing the strong military heritage of the Emerald Coast, honoring the generations of service members and families who have helped shape this area.

From fireworks and live music to the famous Pirate Landing, Billy Bowlegs is one of the Emerald Coast’s favorite traditions and we are proud to be part of it this year.

📍 FIND US: Air Commando Heritage Foundation at Booth #33:

🏴‍☠️ May 15 | 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
🏴‍☠️ May 16 | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Come by to:
⚔️ Learn about the future Air Commando Museum
⚔️ Sign up for our newsletter
⚔️ Grab some ACHF/AF swag
⚔️ Help us preserve the stories of Air Commandos past and present

Festival highlights include:
🏴‍☠️ Friday night fireworks
🏴‍☠️ Pirate Landing on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
🏴‍☠️ Live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and family fun
🏴‍☠️ The Torchlight Parade on Monday night along Eglin Parkway

We look forward to seeing everyone out there for a weekend of community, history, and pirate fun along the waterfront. 🏴‍☠️🇺🇸

05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, we honor the mothers behind the missions.

The women who executed the missions, who carried the weight at home during deployments, celebrated victories from afar, and stood beside our Air Commandos through every challenge and triumph.

Their strength, sacrifice, and love are woven into the legacy of this community.

Happy Mother’s Day to the incredible moms of the Air Commando family.