As the guidelines for quarantine and isolation are being relaxed, we are finding ourselves a little unsure how to proceed back to a “normal” life. Meeting the needs of our veterans and our community is always our primary mission, and we were very glad when we were able to have our grand reopening on Memorial Day, how fitting that was. We have many veterans who visit the museum on Memorial Day because it is a place they can give honor to their comrades that were lost while in service. I am so glad that we did not have to deny them this opportunity.
We are proud to announce that we will finally be able to start on the Chennault Aviation Park. Weather permitting they will start Monday, June 1st. This park has been in the works for five years and we are very excited that it will now become a reality. The funds for the park are made possible by an EDA Federal grant, a Monroe/West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau grant, and a capitol campaign the Museum had in 2017. These are designated funds that if not spent we will lose.
In this precarious time for the museum we are optimistic that this park will encourage people and let them know how important the museum is in preserving our history and serving our community. As a private, non-profit organization, we depend on our memberships, corporate memberships, fundraisers and donations. It has been especially rewarding that some of our members have realized how difficult things are for us right now have been able to increase their donations.
The best news is that we will now be able to resume our veteran’s programs. Our post traumatic stress disorder group meetings for combat veterans will resume the first week of June. Our Disabled American Veterans service officer has been able to continue his work from home by phone but will now be able to resume meeting at the museum. Our Library of Congress veteran’s oral history program will also resume the first week of June. If you would like to schedule a time to have your history recorded for future generations please contact us for an appointment.
Be strong and stay safe,
Back to Regular Hours
We were blessed to reopen on Memorial Day, May 25. The Museum is now open for its regular days and hours, Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.
The staff are encouraging patrons to follow certain protocals to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Complimentary masks supplied by the Chinese Consulate in Houston and hand sanitizers are available upon entry. Directional signage has been installed throughout the Museum to facilitate social distancing. Patrons are asked to maintain a 6 foot distance from others while enjoying our 11,000 artifacts.
Spirit of Distinction
The Museum was honored by the Thomas H. Scott Foundation during their drive-thru award ceremony in May. The ceremony honors companies making significant contributions to the Ouachita Parish economy through capital improvements, expansion, job creation and community involvement in 2019-20. We were honored with the Spirit of Distinction Award!
Run for the Red, White & Blue
During these uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, non-profits like us have had to put our thinking caps on and be creative with fundraising and events. Because of this, we took our annual Run for the Red, White & Blue to the virtual world! Runners signed up for the Run and participated by running throughout the community. We had nearly 140 runners who signed up. These patriots ran in remembrance of the men and women who lost their lives for our freedoms. They also supported a Museum that honors our veterans and provides much needed services.
Protecting Our Students
With help from Dr. John Sutherlin of ULM and the Chinese Consulate in Houston, Chinese students who have been stranded in the U.S. during COVID-19 have been able to receive protective gear that they need to help them feel safe. Dr. Sutherlin helped locate the students, and Consul General Cai Wei provided the protective gear.
It is so important at this time to remember that this is a very scary time for our world. These are young students stranded due to circumstances beyond their control, and we were able to offer a hand of friendship to them.
We thank both Dr. Sutherlin and Consul General Cai Wei for their help and generosity.
Feeding Heroes
We celebrated healthcare workers by working with the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Houston to provide 1,000 meals to St. Francis Medical Center employees.
“I saw from the TV news that medical workers in St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe are admitting patients in a very active manner,” wrote Consul General Cai Wei in an open letter to the people of Monroe. “Their selfless contribution and commitment to saving lives with boundless love are so touching.”
The Consul General’s donation was facilitated through 1,000 meals provided by Texas Roadhouse of West Monroe. Meals were provided to the healthcare workers on Thursday, May 7th and Friday, May 8th in both the morning and in the evening. The donation not only fed healthcare workers in the thick of the COVID-19 crisis but also supported a local business affected by the current restaurant closure orders.
Culture Care
The Museum was blessed to be selected as a recepient of the Culture Care Fund Grant.
Funding for these grants has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and administered by the Louisiana Endowment of the Humanities (LEH) as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan.
Learning through Facebook
In the time that the Museum was closed, it was imperative for us to stay relevant on social media for those patrons unable to visit. Take a scroll through our Facebook page to learn about different exhibits and fun facts that we highlighted throughout our closure!
New ways to support us.
Did you know that Amazon.com has a program called Amazon Smile which donates a percentage of your Amazon purchases to nonprofit? To help us while you shop, bookmark and visit this link when shopping on Amazon.
New merchandise available!
Our Shark Mouth line is available on our online gift shop!
Don’t want to leave the house? Shop online for all your Chennault Aviation & Military Museum goodies.
They make perfect gifts! Click here to buy this shirt now.
Now More Than Ever, Your Membership Matters.
Purchasing a membership is one way you can contribute to our Museum.
It’s time for many of our members to renew their membership. If that is you, please do so by visiting our website or visiting the Museum. For any questions, please contact Suzy at (318) 362-5540.
