“Consult not your fears but your hopes and dreams”
Pope John XXIII
Pope John’s quote is a compelling message for today. I believe that we all have been guilty of consulting our fears over this past year, especially those of us who live in Louisiana. This year, 2020, has brought tornadoes on Easter Sunday, three hurricanes, the coronavirus, and a very contentious presidential election. We have had a lot to be fearful of, and we all hope that as we usher in the new year, it will bring better things.
I am sure that everyone who ever served in the military would relate to that statement. Their pledge to serve our country at all costs is not made lightly, and they take it knowing the consequences. They do it because they have dreams of a better world and hope they can contribute to the cause.
That is why we have this museum and honor those who have served. Because of their hopes and dreams, we have been able to enjoy our lives and our freedoms. That is why we not only preserve their history, but we work hard to provide several veterans services.
We cannot thank our patriotic members and donors enough for their help in getting us through this challenging year. It is only because of your contributions that we can continue our mission to “Preserve, Promote and Honor Aviation and Military History.” Because of you, we will be able to open the Chennault Aviation and Military Park in the coming year. We won the Thomas H. Scott award of excellence, and we just found out that we were awarded “Best of the Delta” for museums by the Monroe News-Star.
Our hopes and dreams are that we can continue to serve our veterans and our community, and we pledge to you that we will continue to work hard to do so. We know that with your support, anything is possible.
Thank you again, and may your Christmas and New Year be blessed.
The Chennault Gala
We are pleased to announce The Chennault Gala, presented by Discover Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana Seafood, and Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, has SOLD OUT.
Didn’t snag tickets? No problem! The whole event will air on Facebook Premier on December 17th.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Discover Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana Seafood, Stephanie & Nelson Abell, Kitty DeGree Foundation, Positive Behavior Outcomes, Military Officers Association of America, James Machine Works, Skent N Dent, Spartan Adventure Park, Vantage Health Plan, Altruistic Foundation, Uniti Fiber, Shaw Oxygen Co, Origin Bank, Wes & Shirley Wesselhoeft, Mike & Nancy Chennault, The Kirksey Agency, City of Monroe, The Platter, Lamar Advertising, Stephens Media, KNOE, Ameripride
Veterans Day Program
This Veterans Day, we celebrated with a program at the Museum. The program was emceed by Alana Cooper of Discover Monroe- West Monroe. West Monroe High School ROTC presented the colors and moved the crowd with a touching POW/MIA table presentation.
Keynote speaker Mayor Friday Ellis spoke of what being a veteran means to him. Mayor Ellis became a Marine after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 inspired him to defend our country.
Best of the Delta
We were blessed to win Best Museum from the Best of the Delta awards! Thank you to all who voted. We are humbled by the title of Best Museum. Every day, we strive to tell our guests the stories of brave men and women who served our country and honor them through different programs and activities. Thank you for recognizing that!
Freedom Trees
Our Freedom Trees were erected by Discover Monroe-West Monroe and decorated by Chase Vets and AMVETS. Each tree represents a branch of the military. The community is invited to bring pictures of their veteran or active duty family members and friends to the Museum to make an ornament for the Freedom Trees! All we ask in exchange is a small donation.
Aviation Park updates
Chennault Park is still under construction. Most recently, work on the perimeter fencing began.
Do you want to be a part of the park’s legacy? Visit our website for information on ways to support the project! Click here for info.
The General Claire Chennault Flying Tiger Chapter 51 of the Disabled American Veterans has a wonderful opportunity to replace their 1997 van with a brand new Ford Transit Connect 7-passenger van!
This van is used to transport veterans to the VA home in Jackson as needed for appointments. With the possibility of an upcoming vaccine, the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 may soon be relaxed, which dictates the necessity of reliable transportation for our veterans so that they can receive the healthcare they need and deserve.
Chennault Aviation & Military Museum is applying for a matching-funds grant which will put the Museum’s cost at only $15,500 for the van. It’s an incredible opportunity that we don’t want to miss! The current van has high mileage and breaks down, often requiring towing and frequently resulting in stranding veterans en-route to hospital services.
Because the grant was announced in early November 2020, the Museum only had 8 days to raise the money by the 2020 deadline. The goal was not reached so we are now fundraising to raise the funds for the 2021 grant cycle!
If you’d like to donate to this fund, please click here.
If you have questions, you can call 318-362-5540.
Coffee with the Curator
Join us on Facebook every Thursday at 1 PM for Coffee with the Curator! Get a personal glimpse into the treasures of the Museum with curator Roy Bullock. So far, we have covered topics such as the Civil War, Selman Field, and the Tuskegee Airmen. Each week is different, so be sure to like our Facebook page to be notified when new videos go live.
Shop online!
Our Shark Mouth line is available on our online gift shop! Check out our new Face Masks!
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 mask 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.
