Aviation Heritage Park & Museum is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest exhibit, “Heroes’ Homecoming,” on Saturday, August 2nd. Generously sponsored by the McMichael Family, this compelling exhibit will honor 18 distinguished regional aviators from the Southcentral Kentucky area, celebrating their bravery, honor, determination, and heroism.
The “Heroes’ Homecoming” exhibit will feature a diverse group of aviation heroes, each with remarkable stories of service and achievement. Among those highlighted are:
- General Dan Cherry, grandson of WKU founder Henry Hardin Cherry, former commander of the Thunderbirds and renowned author of “My Enemy, My Friend.”
- General Steve Basham, a recently retired B-2 pilot who ascended from L.C. Curry Elementary in Bowling Green to become the Deputy Commander of US Air Forces in Europe.
- Col Terry Wilcutt, from Russellville, Ky, began his working career as a high school math teacher after graduating from WKU, joined the Marines and became a Space Shuttle Commander and pilot.
- Capt Jacob Vaughan, graduate of So Warren High School in Bowling Green who was recruited by the Oklahoma National Guard, received Top Gun awards and now serves his nation as an F-16 pilot.
Other esteemed aviators included in this inspiring exhibit are Gen Russell Dougherty, General Joe Ralston, Gen Ken Fleenor, CMDR John Magda, Col Ruel Keith Branham, Col Arnie Franklin, Col Ray Nutter, Col Mac Reynolds, Lt Col John Capito, Lt Col John Carmichael, Lt Col Bobbie Pedigo, Lt Charlie Moran, and Lt Willa Brown.
“In the two years we have been open, we have welcomed thousands of guests from all 50 states and over 100 foreign countries,” said Bob Bubnis, Executive Director of Aviation Heritage Park & Museum. “Since the very start, a defining factor for the enthusiasm surrounding our museum is that we feature bravery, honor, determination, and heroism. These are traits we ALL admire. And Southcentral Kentucky is full of heroes who exemplify these characteristics.”
