DAYTON, Ohio -- The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force recently honored more than 500 volunteers at its 41st Annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.
Dave London of Beavercreek, Ohio was selected as the 2022 Museum Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and excellence in serving the museum and the U.S. Air Force.
Nominated by the museum’s Exhibits Division, London contributed over 1,200 hours maintaining, updating, and creating exhibits. His remarkable attention to detail has been invaluable through the museum in the development of new exhibits and maintaining existing exhibits, ensuring that the history of the Department of the U.S. Air Force and its Airmen and Guardians are preserved for generations to come.
According to London, his parents instilled in him the importance of community service, which he has found to be both fun and rewarding, and he encourages other to explore volunteering at the museum as well.
“You get to work with so many great people and you have the flexibility to work as many (or as few) hours as you want,” said London. "The museum offers so many different opportunities to volunteer such that you can use any skills and experience you wish to contribute."
Other Volunteer of the Year nominees included Angie Clover (Public Affairs Division); Charles Farlow (Restoration Division); Jim Liddle (Collection Management and Research Division); Andrew Gilmore (Operations Division); and Jerry Mongelli (Special Events Division).
Eleven volunteers received special recognition by receiving the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which honors those who have completed 4,000 hours or more of volunteer service. Those volunteers included Michael Fisher, Greg Kuehner, Steve Markman, Carl Peirolo, Dave Richardson, Susan Richardson, Mike Ries, John Schell, Bill Weldon, David Wisecup and Larry Zimmerman.
Marti Ventolo and Mark Young were recognized for 40 years of service, and Bob Rehmert was recognized for 18,000 lifetime volunteer hours.
In total, the museum acknowledged 93 volunteers for their service and dedication, totaling 88,292 hours of service to the museum in 2022, which represents more than $2,401,559 in assets to the Air Force.
For more information about volunteering at the museum, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Volunteer.aspx.
In 2023, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force celebrates its 100th Anniversary. Since 1923 the museum has grown from a small engineering study collection to the world's largest military aviation museum and is a world-renowned center for air and space power technology and culture of preservation. Join us throughout 2023 as we celebrate our storied history with special events and exhibits for visitors of all ages. Visit our website for more information at www.nationamuseum.af.mil.
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year thousands of visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.
NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at (937) 255-3286.
NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, contact Lisa Riley at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-1283.