Pritzker Military Foundation announces Gift to Air Force Museum Foundation for the Air Force's Birthday
In observance of the Air Force's 76th birthday, the Pritzker Military Foundation announces a commitment of $25,000 to support the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's "Enlisted Force: Foundation of Air & Space Power" exhibit. An additional $25,000 in matching funds are available under the grant.
The Air Force's history and heritage dates back to the twentieth century but the U.S. Air Force was officially founded in 1947. Each year, the nation observes the Air Force's birthday on Sept. 18.
"We are proud to support the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force's exhibit. We believe that this exhibit will educate the public about the outstanding work of the U.S. Air Force and will help shape the future of all the military branches," said Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (retired), founder of the Pritzker Military Foundation.
"Enlisted Force: Foundation of Air & Space Power" highlights the highly skilled, trained and talented enlisted force that has been the backbone of daily operation of the U.S. Department of the Air Force. Elements of this exhibit are thoughtfully placed throughout the museum complex. Full completion is expected later this year, but visitors can view individual elements as they are installed.
"The Air Force Museum Foundation is proud to have supported the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force since 1960," said Dr. Rorie Cartier, CEO of the Air Force Museum Foundation. "The work we do wouldn't be possible without the partnerships we have cultivated both locally and globally. This generous grant from the Pritzker Military Foundation is a shining example of mission-meeting generosity and it is particularly rewarding to know how many visitors will benefit from it for years to come."
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. The museum collects, researches, conserves, interprets and presents the Air Force's history, heritage and traditions through engaging exhibits, educational outreach, special programs, and the stewardship of the national historic collection to global audiences.
"As we celebrate the museum's 100th anniversary in 2023, it is a true honor to open our newest exhibit honoring the service, sacrifice, leadership and expertise of our Enlisted Force," said David Tillotson, director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. "Throughout our history, the enlisted force has been the backbone of the Department of the U.S. Air Force. This expansive exhibit highlights the vital roles that our enlisted Airmen and Guardians have in ensuring that we continue to be a world leader in air and space power."
To learn more about the Pritzker Military Foundation grants, please visit www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org/our-grants/. The Pritzker Military Foundation is a private foundation that accepts applications by invitation only. There is no open application period.
About Pritzker Military Foundation
The Pritzker Military Foundation seeks to support the work of nonprofit organizations in preserving American military history, restoring historic military artifacts and making them accessible to the public, and providing services and essential resources to past and present service members in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. To learn more, visit www.pritzkermilitaryfoundation.org.