ERMA – Over the last 20 years, Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum has had many guests, including “locals” who have volunteered their time to help further the museum’s mission.
These volunteers have come from all walks of life; some veterans, aviation enthusiasts and others from families that have lived in the area for generations and remember how the war effort effected Cape May County. The Ryan family of North Cape May is a mixture of all the above. They recently presented the museum with a “mission flag” to honor the mission of NASW.
Since the museum’s inception, Richard Ryan has volunteered his time to work on a variety of different restoration projects throughout the museum. Ryan has helped rebuild aircraft for displays, worked on electronic components and equipment and is always around to lend a helping hand.
His sons have followed in their fathers love for all things aviation related. In fact, all three of his sons have served in the United States Air Force.
Early in 2018, USAF Capt. Richard Ryan III was deployed in the Middle East supporting America’s war on terrorism through Operation Inherent Resolve. While deployed, a flag was flown aboard a USAF EC-130H on Jan. 13 during combat missions over the skies of Iraq and Syria. That flag was presented to NASW Foundation Chairman, Dr. Joseph Salvatore by the Ryan Family to be displayed in the museum.
There are various artifacts within the museum, many donated by families who wanted to see their family’s stories live on while educating the public. It is an absolute honor for the museum to be able to help these stories and legacies continue. This mission flag will share in that special sentiment.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
