From left: Lisa Jester, MAAFM executive director presents Preservation Award to Beth, Jack and Doug Smithson.
The Millville Army Air Field Museum (MAAFM) recenly hosted a commemorative celebration of the 85th anniversary of the day that Millville Airport was dedicated as America’s First Defense Airport.
More than 250 Museum members and special guests attended the event, acknowledging the day that the U.S. War Department established Millville as the first airport to defend America’s east coast from enemy attack at the onset of World War II.
“The Millville Army Air Field played a remarkable role in America’s history, serving as both a vital defense installation and a training ground for more than 10,000 servicemen who came here from across the country,” explained MAAFM Chairman Russell Davis. “These young men received specialized training and developed the skills they would need before heading overseas to serve in the European Theatre. Among them were approximately 1,200 pilots who received flight and gunnery training in the P-40 Warhawk and P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft.”
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to John and Jana Scarpa; John and Lorie Ruga; and the Smithson family for their decades of support for the museum’s three-part mission of education, honor and preservation.
“As we honor the history that our museum preserves here at Millville Airport, we are so very proud to recognize these three families, who beautifully reflect our core mission,” said Lisa Jester, MAAFM executive director. “On behalf of the MAAFM, I offer heartfelt thanks to each them for their genuine and generous support of our museum throughout the years.”
Jester presents Education Award to Jana Scarpa and John Scarpa (left) and Honor Award to Lorie Ruga and John Ruga.
John and Jana Scarpa were commended for being champions of education. “Our responsibility today goes beyond remembrance,” stated John Scarpa. “It is up to us to educate the next generation so that they understand what shaped the freedoms they enjoy today.”
John and Lorie Ruga were recognized as advocates for honor—celebrating veterans and military. “We are privileged to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifices,” said John Ruga. “It’s an honor to help support the work of the museum as it keep the histories of veterans alive through their interviews and artifacts.”
The Smithson family—Beth, Doug, and son Jack, owners of Big Sky Aviation at Millville Airport—were honored for supporting preservation of the important history at Millville Airport. “The WWII history that took place at Millville Airport is the foundation of its existence and so important to be recognized and remembered,” said Beth Smithson. “We are proud to support the Millville Army Air Field Museum’s mission of preservation.”
