As we take time to reflect on veterans day, there’s a place in our backyard where the younger generation can learn about those who served our country, and the technological advancements that supported their efforts.

Home to more than 150 aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits, the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is the site for frequent field trips like one recently hosted by the full-time online public school, Willamette Connections Academy.

“This trip really made me think about those who serve our country by listening to my dad talk about the military aircraft at the museum that helped him in Desert Storm, listening to the veteran volunteers, and reading the history behind the exhibits,” said Arowyn Crossley from McMinnville, a senior at the statewide virtual charter school. She was one of the nearly 30 people who attended the field trip, including students, family members and teachers.

Arowyn’s great-grandfather was an Air Force fighter pilot in WWII and her father, Chris Crossley, served in the Army infantry 101st Airborne Division for 25 years. “I had some good memories of the "Huey", I had my first of many helicopter rides in a similar aircraft,” said Chris Crossley, after spotting a Huey helicopter at Evergreen. He and Arowyn also checked out an A-10 Thunderbolt fighter bomber which flew top cover for Crossley and the rest of the ground forces below in Iraq.

Perhaps the 75th Anniversary of the legendary Spruce Goose at the museum will not only generate gratitude toward veterans who worked on this iconic piece of aeronautic history but also inspire future generations of innovators. “I appreciate the contributions they made and the innovation they created that directly impacted my service,” explained Chris Crossley when asked about the Spruce and the other extraordinary flying machines at Evergreen.

“I believe it is incredibly important for students to have an opportunity to go on field trips like the one to Evergreen where they can learn about the past, present, and future of aviation and space technology, understanding how a large part of that is equipping the people who serve our country,” noted Arowyn. “They may also be motivated to look towards STEM and create their own technological advancements, maybe they get that sense of awe for the wonders of science.”

The Evergreen Museum is home to over 150 military and civilian aircraft, spacecraft and exhibits. Tom Holden from Scio and his grandson Hayden Blair, a freshman at Willamette Connections Academy, looked over the A4D Navy Skyhawk, an “attack” plane Tom remembers well from his years as a military cargo pilot in the Vietnam War.

Arowyn encourages other young people such as Hayden to honor veterans by exploring places similar to Evergreen. “I wish more young people would visit the museum to see up close the aircraft and other equipment that’s saved countless lives and served other purposes,” explained Arowyn. “A museum tour not only offers students the ability to appreciate all aircraft personnel including service members but possibly inspires them to serve in the military themselves.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Chris Crossley agrees with his daughter. “I have always appreciated museums and the contributions they make to preserving our nation's history. As a child growing up in Oregon, I remember visiting Battery Russell, Fort Clatsop, Ft. Astoria and other locations.” Willamette Connections Academy encourages students and parents to attend field trips for learning opportunities and to socialize with other families with children attending the online school.

Admission is free for veterans through this Sunday, November 13th at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. And since the kids are out of school on Friday, why not stop by the museum for a family field trip? Go to www.evergreenmuseum.org for more information

Willamette Connections Academy is a full-time tuition-free online public school serving K-12 students statewide. To learn more about enrollment or other information visit www.WillametteConnectionsAcademy.com or call (800) 382-6010


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-11-08 11:52:33

Last Update: 2022-11-08 12:11:11