Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation

Happy Thanksgiving from the Airborne & Special Operations Museum! While the Museum is closed today, we look forward to welcoming you tomorrow and throughout the weekend. Admission is always free—bring your family and explore the inspiring legacies of Airborne and Special Operations Soldiers. #HappyThanksgiving #fortlibertync #fayettevillenc

As a reminder, the Cumberland Community Foundation’s Giving Tuesday Catalog is OPEN! This is your chance to make a powerful impact! Every donation made through CCF's Giving Tuesday campaign between November 25th and December 4th will be amplified by an incredible $525,000 matching fund. Among many things, your donation will help us provide Veterans with a peaceful retreat to reflect on their military service and the significant role they continue to play in our society. ?? Don’t wait—make your gift today and maximize its impact: bit.ly/ASOMFGIVING #fayettevillenc #fortlibertync #givingtuesday CUMBERLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, INC.

?? The Cumberland Community Foundation’s Giving Tuesday Catalog is NOW OPEN! This is your chance to make a powerful impact! Every donation made through CCF's Giving Tuesday campaign between November 25th and December 4th will be amplified by an incredible $525,000 matching fund. Thanks to the generosity of the Cumberland Community Foundation, Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association, Elizabeth “Beth” Keeney, Carol and Sammy Short, Daphne and Ray Manning, Will Gillis, CCF Board of Directors, and three anonymous donors, your gift can go even further to support the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum. ?? Don’t wait—make your gift today and maximize its impact: bit.ly/ASOMFGIVING #fayettevillenc #fortlibertync #givingtuesday CUMBERLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, INC.

Thank you, Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the Military Affairs Council! #fayettevillenc #military

On This Day in History: A Legacy Forged in Brotherhood and Honor Sixty years ago, the world stood still as President John F. Kennedy was tragically assassinated. His vision and leadership had left an indelible mark on the nation—and on those who served in the shadows to defend it. In the hours following his untimely passing, First Lady Jackie Kennedy made a heartfelt request: she wanted Green Berets, the soldiers her husband admired deeply, to be part of his Honor Guard. The call was answered without hesitation. Within hours, the Special Warfare Center issued orders for 46 Green Berets to make their way to Washington, DC. These quiet professionals, chosen for their courage and dedication, stood watch during the solemn funeral rites of a president who championed their mission. As the eternal flame was lit, marking the end of the ceremonies, one powerful gesture would forever bind the legacy of President Kennedy to the Green Berets. Command Sgt. Major Francis Ruddy removed his beret—a symbol of service, sacrifice, and excellence—and placed it upon the late president’s grave. This moment of respect and camaraderie became tradition. Every year on November 22, Army Special Forces return to President Kennedy’s resting place to lay a wreath and a green beret, honoring the bond he shared with them. #ArmyHistory #JFK #GreenBerets #SpecialForces #Legacy

#ThrowbackThursday: Operation IVORY COAST was a joint special operations mission executed on November 21, 1970, to liberate American prisoners of war (POW) held at Son Tay, near Hanoi, North Vietnam. The rescue effort, launched from allied air bases in Thailand, was a “mission of mercy,” according to President Richard M. Nixon. If the plan succeeded, Nixon planned to possibly have the freed POWs at the White House for Thanksgiving dinner. A successful raid might also bring hope to the other POWs in North Vietnam and their families back in the U.S. The raid was also an attempt to illuminate the inhumane treatment and abuse of the POWs by their communist captors. The ad hoc Joint Contingency Task Group (JCTG) included six helicopters, handpicked U.S. Air Force airmen, and a ground assault element of fifty-six U.S. Army Special Forces (SF) soldiers, largely from the 6th and 7th SF Groups at Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty. Despite almost flawless execution, the raid was unsuccessful due to the previous relocation of the POWs. Nevertheless, the raid dramatically demonstrated America’s ability to operate deep in enemy territory, and resulted in better treatment for some POWs, as prisoners were consolidated from smaller camps. IVORY COAST remains a textbook example of a well-planned, rehearsed, and executed direct-action special operations mission. Photo: “Redwine Security Element #2” during pre-mission training for Operation IVORY COAST at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Then-Sergeant First Class (SFC) Billy R. Martin, 6th SF Group, second from right, is carrying an M60 machine gun, and two M72 Light Antitank Weapon (LAW) Rockets. He was one of three raiders who carried the M60 machine gun on the raid. (Image credit: U.S. Army Special Operations Command) #ThisDayInHistory #ArmyHistory #specialoperations #specialforces

A heartfelt review from a visitor to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum: "Awesome. To take a look into what my father was a part of—there's nothing like it to us." This Giving Tuesday, honor America's heroes by supporting the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum through the Cumberland Community Foundation's Giving Tuesday Catalog, open from November 25th to December 4th. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your impact doubled! The Cumberland Community Foundation will match up to $525,000 in gifts received during this campaign, making your donation go even further. Join us in preserving history and celebrating our heroes. CUMBERLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, INC. #FayettevilleNC #FortLiberty #GivingBack #GivingTuesday

This is amazing! Airborne All The Way! ?? Step into history and uncover the heroic story of the paratroopers who defied the odds in the Battle of the Bulge. Visit us at the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum to learn about their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit! #GoArmyBeatNavy #ArmyHistory

We’re excited to see that the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum was featured in Atlanta Magazine's '33 Top Things to Do in the South That Don’t Cost a Thing'! Visit us to explore incredible stories of courage and heroism—absolutely free! #fayettevillenc #fortliberty

?? Here’s a snapshot from our event last night with Brad and Jess Halling, founders of BHAWK whiskey! We had a fantastic turnout as Brad recounted his experience at the Battle of Mogadishu in front of the ASOM’s exhibit. A big thank you to the Hallings for their incredible presentation and to everyone who came out! It was a night to remember! For more upcoming events, visit asomf.org/events/ #ASOM #HistoryInFocus #BattleOfMogadishu #BHAWKWhiskeyDistillery #SpecialOperations #MilitaryHistory