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About

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Our Mission and Vision

The mission of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation is to help strengthen America by preserving the aviation history of the U.S. Marine Corps, honoring the service of its people, and inspiring in all generations an appreciation of America’s freedoms and values. 

We accomplish our mission by supporting the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, and by hosting a variety of educational programs that connect all generations with the nation’s history and bring civilian and military communities together.

 

We build a stronger nation by educating all generations about the contributions, character, and sacrifices of the people of USMC aviation and the missions they completed to defend America and her freedoms and values.

Leadership

The people leading the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation

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President/CEO

Michael J. Aguilar

 
BGen
USMC, Retired
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Chair

 Terry Robling  

 
LtGen
USMC, Retired
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Secretary

Dr. Glenn Roquemore

CEO/Founder of Roquemore Higher Education Consultants, LLC.
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Vice Chair

Patrick Gough

 
Colonel
USMC, Retired
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Our History

In 1989, A group of retired Marines from San Diego came together to begin preserving the rich and inspiring history of U.S. Marine aviation, led by Major Generals Bob Butcher and Frank Lang. The first movement of aircraft and artifacts to MCAS Miramar, led to a greater vision to create a foundation honoring USMC legacy.

 

The Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation has grown exponentially since its inception, providing a space for communities of all ages to come together and discover the legacy of Marine aviation. From veteran services, to education and grant programs, to school visits, to a full aircraft museum, the Foundation has become a key part of preserving Marine aviation history.

 

In March 2021 the leadership of MCAS Miramar announced that it could no longer host the museum on the grounds of the base. The city of Irvine, CA has offered to host the museum and continue our legacy under the oversight of Brigadier General Michel Aguilar, USMC-Retired. We plan to continue and expand our legacy as this transition continues. 

Learn more about the history of MCAS El Toro in Irvine 

Meet Our Board

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JT Bertrand

Colonel

USMCR, Retired

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Judge Victor Bianchini

Colonel

USMCR, Retired

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Pete S. Bowen

Major

USMCR, Retired

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Bart J. Connolly

Colonel

USMC, Retired

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Charlie Crookall

Owner, Shaw Development Partners

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Don Esmond

SVP, Ford Automotive Ops

NA, Retired

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Alexis Federico

Attorney at Law

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Victor Franco

Partner, California Strategies, LLC

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Jim Harker

Partner, Campbell & Belfield LLP

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Dale Mann

Designer, Entrepreneur

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Treasurer

Alice Marshall

Colonel

USMC, Retired

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Tom O’Malley

Colonel

USMC, Retired

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Dr. Charlie Quilter

Colonel

USMC, Retired

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Greg Raths

Colonel

USMC, Retired

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Ron Ress

Capt. JAGC

USNR, Retired

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Jack Rippy

Colonel

Attorney at Law

USMC, Retired

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Bob Scott

Attorney at Law

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Dave Shuter

BGen

USMC, Retired

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Lou Smith

Rear Admiral

USN, Retired

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Hamza Suira

Former Biotechnology CEO

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Mike Wifler

Major

USMC, Retired

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