On July 11, 2024, astronaut LtCol Jasmin Moghbeli, USMC spent time answering questions from our Aviation Summer Campers. She is seen here with exhibit specialist Kim Morales. Kim showed her pictures of our astronaut exhibit that Jasmin missed while she was in space.
On July 13, 2024, the museum hosted the Heartland Honor Flight of 31 Vietnam veterans to include Medal of Honor recipient Doc Don Ballard. On 16 May 68, while under enemy fire, Doc Ballard was attending to a casualty when an enemy grenade landed near the wounded Marine, four other Marines, and himself. He immediately jumped on the grenade to shield the five Marines from the blast. Realizing that the grenade failed to explode, Doc quickly threw it out of harm's way as it exploded, saving the Marines and himself. Doc then continued to attend to wounded Marines during the firefight. Doc Ballard is pictured with Docent Trish Mangheli.
On July 13, 2024, the museum hosted the Heartland Honor Flight of 31 Vietnam veterans to include Medal of Honor recipient Doc Don Ballard. On 16 May 68, while under enemy fire, Doc Ballard was attending to a casualty when an enemy grenade landed near the wounded Marine, four other Marines, and himself. He immediately jumped on the grenade to shield the five Marines from the blast. Realizing that the grenade failed to explode, Doc quickly threw it out of harm's way as it exploded, saving the Marines and himself. Doc then continued to attend to wounded Marines during the firefight. Doc Ballard is pictured with Docent Trish Mangheli.