Page 12 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2020

COAST NOTE CLEARED FOR
TAKEOFF
MISSISSIPPI AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM OPENS IN GULFPORT
story and photos by Charles Steinruck After many years of hard work and planning,
Francisco Gonzales has evolved his dream into a reality. It was an emotional opening day, knowing he now gets to share his dream with the Gulf Coast.
The 52,000-square-foot aviation museum was built by donors, volunteers and the remaining family members of famous aviation heroes from the great state of Mississippi.
A few of these honored heroes include John C. Robinson, a pioneering African American Mississippi aviator and native
of Gulfport whose e orts were instrumental in the conception and creation of the aviation training program at Tuskegee Institute, paving the way for the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II fame; Air Force test pilot and Apollo 14 Astronaut Stuart “Stu” Allen Roosa Sr., also from Gulfport; Ace Fighter
Pilot Lt. Jeremiah
J. O’Keefe of
Biloxi; and Colonel Lawrence E. Roberts, a Tuskegee Pilot from Pass Christian.
“Architects didn’t choose the colors of
the museum, the donors chose the colors,” Gonzales stated during the opening remarks. This museum was built on a small budget of $300,000 and donations from local aviation pilots and enthusiasts. Mr. Gonzales says this is just the beginning and there is more to come.
Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum
429 Pass Rd., Gulfport | 601.299.2816
story courtesy of The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce
This holiday season, the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce is o ering a “Giving the Gift of Gulfport” discount card as a fundraiser, but also a way to help support our Gulfport members who work in food, retail, personal care and as service providers.
The card, which costs $20, currently features discounts and o ers from 28 Gulfport member businesses which are valid until March 31, 2021. You do not have to be a Chamber member to purchase the card, which is available at mscoastchamber.com along with descriptions of each of the o ers. Discounts cards are available for purchase through November 30.
“These past months, the Gulfport Chamber has worked to connect, inform and advocate on behalf
of its members – by promoting open businesses and providing $20,000 in small business grants,” said
Tracy Yanez, director of the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce. “Your purchase of a discount card will help us continue those e orts – not only through proceeds from card sales supporting those small business grants, but also by visiting and using the card at these local businesses.”
12 | November 2020
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