Foundation, Air Force sign MOU for new museum

  • Published
  • By Mike Joseph
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - LACKLAND, Texas --  The Lackland Gateway Heritage Foundation took a major step toward its goal of building a new USAF Airman Heritage Museum at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Air Force Feb. 11 at the 502nd Air Base Wing headquarters on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.

The MOU clearly defines the roles and responsibilities in the project by the Foundation, the 502nd ABW and the 37th Training Wing. The agreement was signed by Brig. Gen. Theresa Carter, JBSA and 502nd ABW commander; Col. Mark Camerer, 37th Training Wing commander; and Foundation President Jaime Vazquez, a retired Air Force colonel.

"This marks a significant milestone in the journey to honor our enlisted Airmen," said Vazquez. "It clearly demonstrates the sincere commitments of Gen. Carter and Col. Camerer towards this cause as well as their dynamic engagement in making it happen. The Foundation is extremely grateful to them for their leadership and guidance."

The MOU commits the Air Force to provide the necessary resources to guide and assist the Foundation throughout the required processes. It also formally establishes project officers at both the 502nd ABW and 37th TRW to liaison with the Foundation to facilitate coordination and collaboration.

"We now feel empowered and supported by top notch experts and leaders; it's a win-win situation for all involved," Vazquez said.

The Foundation plans to intensify its fundraising efforts to build and equip a new enlisted heritage museum to replace the current facility, a single story structure built in the 1940s. The goal is to raise $25 million for a 50,000-square foot museum entirely with private funds; no Air Force funds will be allocated for  the project. Completion is scheduled for 2017.

Chief Master Sgt. Craig Recker, 37th TRW command chief master sergeant, called the MOU "huge."

"The memorandum provides the needed traction and momentum for the Foundation to go forward," said Recker, the wing's senior enlisted leader. "When this becomes a reality, every Airman that's walked through the gates at Lackland will benefit from it.
"It's a great, great endeavor."

Lt. Col. Paul Lips, 324th Training Squadron commander who serves as 37th TRW liaison to the Foundation, agreed with Recker's assessment.

"This will lead to a world class facility being built to recognize the enlisted force in the Air Force," Lips said.

The foundation began its journey to build a new museum in 2010 after the 37th TRW approved an 80,000-square foot site near the Gateway East main gate along Luke Boulevard, north of the parade grounds.

Following site approval, a working design, full color brochure, website and fundraising projects were developed. The MOU was another key part of the process.
Vazquez said a major fundraising drive will start this year.

"We can now make preparations to launch our national capital campaign," he said. "We've obtained the services of a professional fundraising consultant to guide us through this process.

"We're also in talks with a highly visible entrepreneur who is committed to helping us raise the $25 million to design, build and equip the museum," the Foundation president added. "No doubt, this is going to be a great year for our project."

More information about the Foundation's "Help Build the Dream, Honor Our Airmen" vision to build a new enlisted heritage museum can be found at http://www.myairmanmuseum.org.