Past, Present and Future
The men and women of AAVS & Combat Camera, many times serving in harms way, provided an audio & visual record of Air Force history since its designation as a separate service to the present time. At the Air Force Museum, Air Force units that want to highlight their contribution to the mission and history of the Air Force have purchased and placed a memorial bench in the museum’s courtyard. These benches provide a visual reminder of their mission and history for the thousands of visitors who annually visit the museum. Although there are photographs, videos, and motion pictures produced by our members, on display within the museum, there is no specific recognition of our unit or the women and men who have and are still today capturing the events document and comprise the visual history of the Air Force. We need your to help correct this! – Ken Hackman
Our Goal
The world-class US Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson AFB celebrates the history of our Air Force with displays of aircraft, missiles, technology and the achievements of the women and men who served. Recently a group of AAVS, 600th Photo Sq., 601st Photo Flt and Combat Camera veterans met for our 10th annual rendezvous/reunion at the Hope Hotel located on Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.
One of the highlights of our meeting was a visit to the museum. Our visit highlighted the fact that although today, Air Force Combat Camera personnel continue to document vital imagery for operational analysis, training, public information and historical documentation during contingency operations, joint exercises, humanitarian relief efforts and disasters around the world, these efforts are not recognized or acknowledged at the museum. We want to correct this omission by endowing a bench that will recognize our command and the squadrons who have and continue to provide a visual history of our Air Force.
PLEASE give at your comfort level very soon to meet our years end goal. We are also offering tier level rewards as outlined below to be posted on the website. Please make your donation check payable to treasurer: Mario Candia and send to 2924 Northcreek Drive, Woodbridge, IL 60517-4515 or pay electronically. Thank you in advance for your participation. For more info call Zimm at 702-759-9724 or email barb@mycactusproperties.com.
You may also donate electronically via the button below.
Please Donate!
more than $250 Above and Beyond, $250 Diamond, $175 Platinum, $100 Gold, up to $99 Silver
All donors will be listed here on the Combat Camera Website.
Register on our website to keep up with our upcoming Rendezvous/Reunions and other related stories from our community. Our next Rendezvous/Reunion is 18-21 September 2014 in Ontario, Ca.
Hi Steve and Kim, The final cost of the bench will depend on a number so factors: 1. How much design work do we want? The feeling is that we should have the shields for the nine AAVS squadrons plus the four current Combat Camera squadrons. In addition we want to have an image etched on the bench. Those are the minimums, but we may want to indicate other items? 2. Placement of the bench at the museum? This will influence the overall cost. If we are lucky enough to get more money then the bench costs we will put it in the bank for reunion expenses.
An exhibit at the museum? I think that is a wonderful idea. In my experience if we want to accomplish that we should design an exhibit down to the smallest detail and present it to the museum. To approach them with just the idea of a Combat Camera exhibit I’m afraid we will get acceptance of the idea from them but I don’t think you will get any actual help from them. Present them with a detailed concept and indicate how much space you need, power requirements etc. and then be prepared to make it happen. THe museum may provide some financial or other assistance but I wouldn’t count on it. The best we could hope for is that they would maintain our exhibit. Just my thoughts.
Having grown up “down the street” from the museum and visiting it with family many times throughout the years, I have always thought there should be a display showcasing the men and women of Combat Camera and it’s ancestors. I truly hope an exhibit will actually happen someday! And I would be happy to help in some manner.
HI Kim ..
Wondering how far you live from the museum? To get anything done I think someone has to be the “face” of the organization and get eyeball to eyeball with someone of authority to see if an exhibit can really be accomplished.
Unfortunately I’m eight hours driving time away. Once a decision is made and we know what amount of space can be allotted I would be willing to come out to work with the staff. I can think of at least one other person who would probably come out and help as well. Feel free to contact me privately at shock@aol.com.
Steve Hock
Wondering what is the dollar “goal” we are trying to reach? Who will design the bench and when must the goal be met?
Nearly six years ago I floated the idea to the Museum of having a Combat Pix exhibit. The woman I spoke to at the time seemed receptive to the idea but because I was working I couldn’t follow through with it. I wanted to attend the AAVS reunion this year and poll the members for interest and perhaps get someone in charge of exhibits to meet with us.
Unfortunately I could not make the reunion. Does anyone else see this as a worthwhile project for the group to try and push?
Steve… Ken Hackman and I are working up a design for the bench. The dollar goal will depend on the final design, but I believe the cost is going to be between $4,600 – 5,600. As for the time frame, I don’t think there is one. I’m sure that Ken will chime in with his two cents worth with a comment here later. As for the other suggestion… I agree that there should be one and I think Ken and some of the others met with the museum folks and may have discussed it, but I’m not sure. Again, perhaps Ken can speak to this.