Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio -- The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ recognized U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. (Ret.) Bob Pinizzotto as its 2025 Volunteer of the Year during the Museum’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet, held April 24, 2026.
Pinizzotto was selected for leading one of the most impactful volunteer-driven initiatives in the Museum’s history—the development and implementation of its first tactile and braille signage system designed to enhance accessibility for visitors who are visually impaired.
Recognizing a need to make the Museum’s collection more accessible, Pinizzotto independently led the effort from concept through execution. He invested hundreds of volunteer hours designing and fabricating more than 80 braille signs, each paired with three-dimensional printed tactile aircraft models. These displays allow visitors to experience aircraft shapes and features through touch, creating a more inclusive and engaging experience.
In addition to managing the multi-year project, Pinizzotto expanded his technical expertise in three-dimensional modeling and fabrication while mentoring fellow volunteers, helping establish a sustainable capability for future accessibility enhancements throughout the Museum.
“This is the kind of volunteer impact that changes an institution—Bob created a solution that will serve visitors for years to come.” said Will Haas, Chief of Exhibits of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. “His initiative and leadership represent the very best of our volunteer program!”
Pinizzotto’s contributions are part of a larger volunteer effort that continues to shape the Museum’s success. In 2025 alone, Museum volunteers contributed 88,818 hours of service across all divisions, supporting collection management, restoration, exhibits, education and special events.
“The impact of our volunteers is evident in every corner of the Museum,” Mr. David Tillotson, director of the Museum said. “From gallery interactions and docent-led tours to restoration and conservation work, their dedication elevates the experience for every visitor who walks through our doors.”
Volunteer efforts in 2025 included nearly 2,100 hours supporting exhibit development—highlighted by the installation of the tactile and braille signage system—as well as more than 5,300 hours in restoration and more than 1,900 hours dedicated to collection management and conservation projects.
The Museum’s volunteer corps includes more than 500 individuals who help bring Air and Space history to life for visitors from around the world.
“Your commitment to the Museum’s mission makes each visitor’s experience meaningful and memorable,” said Gerald R. Murray, CMSAF (Ret.), chair of the Air Force Museum Foundation Board of Trustees, in remarks prepared for the event. “Through your efforts, you bring Air & Space history to life, inspiring the next generation of aviation and space enthusiasts.”
The annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet, supported by the Air Force Museum Foundation, celebrates the vital role volunteers play in the Museum’s mission. Additional support for volunteer recognition was provided by the Dayton Dragons Professional Baseball Team and Tiger 2 Productions. Federal endorsement not implied.