A Visit to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum

We went to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina today. It was a very moving experience.

From the moment we entered the building I had an almost reverent feeling.

Some people would look at all the displays of airborne and special operations soldiers performing their duties from WWII to modern day Iraq and be angry at all the death and destruction these types of operations involve; even though there are many displays of the humanitarian efforts these units have always provided.


I look at it from a very different angle. I look at it from the perspective that I think the museum curators and supporters obviously look at it from. Freedom.

Whether I was gazing at the static display of soldiers in airborne gear hanging from parachute chords or the Huey helicopter with soldiers jumping out onto the ground in full combat gear, the same thought came to my mind: it is wonderful that brave men and women have been strong enough in body and have enough love for their country to endure the horrors of war to keep our country free.

And isn't it great that we can give them the best equipment and training possible to try and ensure their safety in extremely dangerous conditions?

The museum is full of memorabilia and static displays. Besides the Huey chopper it contains a Humvee, a WWII glider, and a C47 "Skytrain" airplane with a soldier jumping from the doorway. You won't only see American displays; it has Japanese and German weapons, flags, and uniforms. And many, many more displays.

The gift shop is very well stocked. I have been looking for an Army pin and a 1st Infantry Division hat for a long time. I don't have to look any more!

If you are ever in Fayetteville, you must visit the museum. If not, the web site for the museum is at http://www.asomf.org/.