The Army Aviation Museum Foundation, incorporated
under the laws of the State of Alabama as a
nonprofit organization, was formed on 9 March
1970. The purpose of the Foundation is to:
- Provide a
proper, permanent building to
house and preserve the U.S. Army
Aviation Museum, its memorabilia
and artifacts
- Safeguard
many one-of-a-kind aircraft and
aviation related items
- Educate
the aviation student and public
- Generate
an interest in and understanding
of Army Aviation.
Over
the past 20 years, the Museum Foundation
has expanded to include over thirty board
members and thousands of
contributors. As a result of a
concerted effort by these people, the
Foundation was successful in raising $2.5
million from civic and social
organizations, military units, local
communities, industries, businesses, and
individuals. Through the efforts of
former Alabama Congressman William
Dickinson, $2.5 million in matching
Federal reprogrammed funds were obtained.
Construction
based on the Foundation's plans began in
March 1988 under the supervision of the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile
District. The present building
completed and turned over to the U.S.
Army in November 1989, represents the
completion of Phase I, one of several
phases to come, and a major attraction to
the Wiregrass area.