Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation

05/28/2026

Before the skies over Normandy filled with parachutes, the men of the legendary “Filthy 13” prepared for one of the most dangerous missions of World War II. Faces painted. Heads shaved. Ready to jump into history.

Pictured below is Jake McNiece applying war paint to a fellow paratrooper in the hours before D-Day.

Stay tuned next week as we take a deeper look into the Filthy 13 and the Airborne assault that helped change the course of the war.

05/25/2026

Today, we remember the men and women who never made it home.

The ones who gave everything in service to our nation. The ones whose courage, sacrifice, and legacy continue to live on through the stories preserved here at the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum.

This Memorial Day, we invite you to pause, reflect, and honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

The museum is open today until 4 PM.
Admission and parking are always free.

05/24/2026

Well deserved recognition for someone who has dedicated so much to our military community and the preservation of our soldiers’ stories. 🇺🇸

Congratulations to Renee Lane on this incredible honor and on her retirement as Executive Director of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation. Thank you for your years of leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to soldiers, military families, and our community.

Your impact will be felt for years to come.

On Monday, the Board of Commissioners recognized Renee Lane for her decades of service and dedication to soldiers, military families and our community.

Throughout her career, Renee has played an important role in supporting military families and strengthening partnerships through leadership with organizations including the USO of North Carolina and the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation.

In recognition of her lasting impact on Cumberland County, the Board proclaimed May 18, 2026, in honor of Renee Lane and her dedication to the community.

Thank you, Renee, for your leadership, commitment and years of service.

05/23/2026

Explore the legacy of Operation JUST CAUSE throughout the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum this Memorial Day weekend. 🇺🇸

We are open all weekend and on Memorial Day. Admission and parking are always free.

05/21/2026

Fayetteville, we need your help!

The U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum has been nominated for the 2026 Community’s Choice Awards for Best Local Tourist/Seasonal Attraction!

Every day, we have the honor of preserving the stories of the men and women who shaped history and sharing them with visitors from across the country right here in Fayetteville.

If you’ve ever walked through our galleries, attended an event, brought your kids to visit, or simply believe these stories matter, we’d be incredibly grateful for your vote.

Only 8 days left to vote!

Vote now: https://bit.ly/voteasom

05/20/2026

This Memorial Day Weekend, we invite you to visit the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum and reflect on the stories of courage, sacrifice, and service that shaped our nation.

As we honor those who gave their lives in defense of freedom, we welcome you and your family to explore the history and legacy of America’s Airborne and Special Operations Soldiers.

The Museum will be OPEN on Memorial Day.
🎟️ Admission is always free.

Come spend part of your weekend remembering the heroes who made our freedoms possible. 🇺🇸

05/19/2026

Today is the last day to see the The VAU Fallen Heroes Memorial at the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum!

This moving memorial honors nearly 7,000 fallen heroes of the Global War on Terror.

Stop by and witness this powerful symbol of sacrifice, remembrance, and honor before it's gone!

05/18/2026

Happy International Museum Day from the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum. 🇺🇸

Museums do more than preserve history, they keep stories alive.

Inside the Museum are the stories of paratroopers who jumped into Normandy before dawn, Special Operations Soldiers who carried out daring missions behind enemy lines, and ordinary men and women who answered extraordinary calls to serve.

Through artifacts, exhibits, and personal stories, their legacy continues to inspire new generations every day.

Today, we celebrate the power of museums to educate, connect communities, and ensure history is never forgotten.

Thank you to every visitor, volunteer, donor, veteran, and supporter who helps keep these legacies alive.

If you believe these stories matter, consider supporting the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation’s Legacy Fund campaign. Right now, every gift from first-time donors and supporters who haven’t given in the last three years can help unlock a $50,000 matching grant from the Pritzker Military Museum Foundation, doubling the impact of your support.

Support the Legacy Fund today: asomf.org/donate/

05/15/2026

During World War II, the OSS (Office of Strategic Services), Special Operations Branch had recruited foreign language speakers who would volunteer for hazardous duty behind enemy lines and parachuted into denied territory. The Jedburgh teams were born.

"Wanted: Volunteers for immediate overseas assignment. Knowledge of French or another European language preferred; Willingness and ability to qualify as a parachutist necessary; Likelihood of a dangerous mission guaranteed."

American servicemen training for deployment in the months leading up to D-Day were given this offer over loudspeakers at military bases across the nation. Knowing nothing else, a few brave men (women were not being recruited for this specific operation) volunteered for a mysterious assignment knowing no other details. It wasn’t until later, after a battery of physical and psychological tests, that these young men would travel to our nation’s capital and discover they were to become commandos in an organization most Americans didn’t even know existed. They were to become OSS Jedburghs.

“Surprise, kill, and vanish.”

– Motto of the Jedburgh teams

Photo: One of the most famous Jedburghs was William Colby, who would later become Director of the CIA. Colby (standing) leading OSS Jed Team as they prepare for mission.

05/14/2026

Great progress is being made on the Museum’s new roof!

And we’re excited to share some even better news — the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum will officially reopen this Saturday!

Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding while this important work has been underway. We can’t wait to welcome visitors back through our doors this weekend.