Image: Joe Mantegna on the left with the 7 honorees on stage

AIR MUSEUM GALA 26

Story and photos by Pat Krause

The Palm Springs Air Museum held its annual gala honoring Character, Remembering Courage, and celebrating 50 years since the Vietnam War. The war may have ended, but the stories, the sacrifice, and the memories remain very much alive. From the moment guests arrived, the tone of the evening was set with dignity and ceremony as the Palm Springs Air Museum Pipe Band played, welcoming attendees to an unforgettable night.

All Color Guards in front of the stage ~photo Pat Krause

Guests were escorted along a red carpet by uniformed men and women into the museum’s reception area, where refreshments and beautifully prepared appetizers were served while the lively music of MOD Girl filled the air. Conversations, laughter, and quiet moments of reflection blended together in an atmosphere that felt both festive and respectful.

General Manager Fred Bell with Host and Emcee Actor Joe Mantegna. ~ photo Pat Krause

When the doors opened to the tarmac, guests stepped outside to view three Vietnam-era helicopters—aircraft that once flew into danger to save lives. Nearby stood a powerful and moving centerpiece: an 80-percent-scale traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Many guests approached the wall to find the names of loved ones. At one point, I noticed a woman standing silently, tears in her eyes, her hand resting gently on the engraved names. It was a moment that captured the heart of the evening—emotional, beautiful, and deeply human, with flags flying above in the night air.

1LT Liam Connelly, SGT Joseph Williams, COL. Jesse Hagar, PFC. Drake Thornton, 1SG. Larry Flores, 5SG, Connor Crocker. 

More than 500 guests were seated inside the General Miles Hangar, filling the room at elegantly arranged tables. The event was completely sold out, with more than 200 people on a waiting list, a testament to the importance of the museum and its mission.

Vietnam Era Helicopter. ~photo Pat Krause

The formal procession began with the Mountain Fifes and Drums, followed by six color guards representing Desert Hot Springs High School, the U.S. Marine Corps, Junior ROTC, the Republic of the Philippines Military, the United States Navy, and the United States Army. The National Anthem, performed with all color guards standing before the stage, was a powerful and moving sight.

Actor Joe Mantegna served as celebrity host and master of ceremonies, opening the program alongside Managing Director Fred Bell. Dick Shaloub delivered a special introduction, speaking about the museum’s educational programs and its work inspiring thousands of young people to pursue careers in aerospace, engineering, and aviation. Several scholarship recipients who have gone on to complete college in those fields were recognized, highlighting the museum’s commitment not only to remembering the past but also to shaping the future. College of the Desert has been an important partner in helping nurture the next generation of pioneers in aviation.

Vietnam War Memorial Wall ~ photo Pat Krause

One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Captain Dan Lauria, USMC, known to many as both a decorated Marine and a familiar face in the entertainment world. The Medal of Honor was presented to SFC Sammy Lee Davis, U.S. Army. In total, seven honorees were recognized, each accompanied by a video telling the story of their lives after Vietnam and the contributions they have made since. Among them were SP4 Rocky Bleier, LTC George Forrest (Ret.), 1LT Leslie Hirschberg of the Army Nurse Corps, Col. Robert Lilac (Ret.), Maj. Gary Lucas (Ret.), Capt. Frank Tullo, and CW4 Randy Zahn (Ret.).

Fred Bell also acknowledged the many dignitaries in attendance, including city leaders, council members, state officials, and major donors whose support sustains the museum’s programs. During the Raise the Paddle portion of the evening, guests generously contributed to further the museum’s mission. By the night’s end, nearly one million dollars had been raised—an extraordinary show of community support.

The evening concluded with dancing to the music of the Elite Show Band, bringing the celebration to a joyful close. Events of this magnitude depend on the dedication of countless volunteers, businesses, and sponsors. Production was provided by Momentous, and the dinner was catered by Lulu’s, among many others who helped make the night such a success.

It was an evening of remembrance, gratitude, and hope—an evening that honored the courage of the past while inspiring the generations who will shape the future.