Some military fanfare happened Wednesday to unveil an official plaque and introduce a new museum in honor of the rich military history of the Reno-Stead Airport.
Inside, memorabilia was donated by veterans who served here during the years - this used to be an Army and Air Force base.
"Flip-charts, pictures, everything that I saved over the years that I was wondering why I was saving and now I know why.”
Dan Fulton taught survival training for four years here and says the displays brought his past back to life.
"The bus driver knew where to stop and let the students out and then we went with the students. In winter time we went with them on snow shoes.”
Marily Mora of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority adds, "We had an outpouring of people that came with their stories and their artifacts from when they actually were here doing military training at this base.”
Over 80,000 military personnel trained at the Reno-Stead base for over 30 years. Today 40 of those vets attended the unveiling of the new military museum. Most of who donated personal items and photographs for the exhibit.
"The parachute and survival rations and that kind of stuff. Just memories - wonderful memories…”
Museum curator Kim Matthews adds, "Their uniforms on display, they're seeing the pictures that have been in the garage for the last years. It's really neat to see it all kinda come home and I think this is where it needs to be."
"It means that we were remembered,” says Dan Fulton.
If you would like to see the exhibit for yourself, the museum is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. It is located at the Reno-Stead Airport and is free of charge.
