Veterans

July 1, 2026

The Sound of Help Coming | Stories Behind the Aircraft

Every week, Vietnam veterans visit Aviation Heritage Park and Museum and walk directly to one aircraft: the Huey. This is the remarkable story of Col. Ray Nutter, whose extraordinary courage on October 18, 1966, earned the Distinguished Service Cross and left a legacy that still moves veterans today.
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April 29, 2026

Lt Col Gerald Roark

Lt Col Gerald Roark had a 22 year career in the Air Force flying the KC and EC 135. He created, equipped, and trained the Air Wing of the US Central Command. His military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
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March 27, 2025

Gen Joseph Ralston

From an Air Force ROTC student to commanding NATO, Joseph Ralston has become the senior ranking airman Kentucky has ever produced. Gen Ralston is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours, including 147 combat missions over Laos and North Vietnam, flying Republic F-105 fighter-bombers and F-105 Wild Weasel jets.
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February 10, 2025

Ruel Keith Branham- SR-71 Navigator

During his 32-year career in the Air Force (1955-1987), Colonel Keith Branham flew in B-36, B-52, and F-4 aircraft. The highlight of his military career was spent as a reconnaissance systems officer (RSO) in the illustrious SR-71 “Blackbird” while stationed at Beale Air Force Base, California.
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April 30, 2023

Brig Gen Ken Fleenor

Brig Gen Ken Fleenor survived five years as a Prisoner of War after his F-4 was shot down flying over Southeast Asia. During his 28-year Air Force career, Fleenor amassed more than 5,400 flying hours and has 184 combat hours. His decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal.
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April 28, 2023

Col Pete Sullivan

Col Francis "Pete" Sullivan completed 136 combat missions in the Vietnam War, flying the Douglas A4 Skyhawk and with VMA331 and VMA 214, the Black Sheep Squadron. Among his medals and awards, he holds eight Air Medals plus the Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and the Marine Corps Reserve Medal.
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April 22, 2023

Lt. Col. Bobbie Pedigo

Lt Col Bobbie Pedigo started his military career as a KyNG private in 1951. He served two tours in Vietnam and became an instructor pilot accumulating 2000 hours of flight time- 1200 on fixed wing and 800 on rotary. His completed 51 years of federal service. Aviation Heritage Park salutes this Warren County Kentucky native.
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