The Kansas National Guard Museum and the Combat Air Museum provide an excellent view of the history of Kansas Guardsmen and of American combat aviation.  Located at the former Forbes AFB these two museums give the visitor a glimpse into the past ... a past replete with heroic actions and significant hardships.  We were honored to walk among the mementoes depicting the efforts of those who have gone before us to secure the way of life we enjoy today.

The Kansas National Guard Museum facility stands just inside the south entrance to the base.

The Chiefs were met and hosted by volunteers and supporters who have made the museum a success.

Pictured left to right are Command CMSgt Roger Wilson, KANG; CMSgt USAF (Ret) Ed Brown; CMSgt KANG (Ret) Mel Simpson; CMSgt KANG (Ret) Wayne Bidwell; CMSgt KANG (Ret) Floyd Roll; CMSgt USAF (Ret) Don Kohl; CMSgt USAF (Ret) Bill Packard; CMSgt KANG (Ret) Bill Quint; CMSgt KANG (Ret) Bernie Carbon; Brig. Gen KANG (Ret) Al Bunting; Command Sergeant Major Jack Elliott, KNG (Ret); CMSgt KANG (Ret) John Hayworth.

The commemorative plaque displayed at the entrance shows that the roots of the present Kansas National Guard can be traced to the Kansas Militia prior to the Civil War.

The Hall of Fame, located in the Guard Museum, boasts no less than 4 Medal of Honor winners.  Our own CMSgts Bernie Carbon and John Hayworth were selected to be inducted into this Hall of Fame; an honor for which they are richly deserving.

The Combat Air Museum is located in hangars 602 & 604 a short distance from the National Guard Museum on "J" Street.  It is home to a variety of WWI and WWII aircraft as well as more modern aircraft.

CMSgts Ed Brown and John Hayworth examine and discuss a Polish built MIG-15 fighter which was flown to the Combat Air Museum.  The MIG-15 is just one of about 30 aircraft in the museum's collection.

The Chiefs swap "war stories" after wandering among the various aircraft and equipment items they remember so fondly.