AFA’s Heritage Hall Honors the Legacy of the Air Force and Space Force 

January 7, 2026   |   By Juanita Henry

Inside the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) headquarters in Arlington, Va., two striking walls line the main corridor that draw visitors into a vivid journey through the history of American airpower and spacepower. Known as the Heritage Hall, this installation chronicles the evolution of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force and is designed to educate and inspire those who visit. 

The display covers more than a century of key historical developments, figures, and innovation that embody the fabric of American air and space power—from the Wright brothers’ first flight in 1903 to the establishment of the U.S. Space Force in 2019. It traces major conflicts, technological breakthroughs, individual acts of courage, and strategic milestones that have defined the evolution of both services.  

The Vision Behind the Hall 

The creation of the Heritage Hall was a collaborative effort across AFA’s staff and leadership. The visual design was led by longtime AFA Creative Director Zaur Eylanbekov, who brought 20 years of experience to the project. He worked closely with Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies; Doug Birkey, Executive Director of the Mitchell Institute; Col. Charles Galbreath, USSF (Ret.), Director of Mitchell Institute for Spacepower Center of Excellence; Tobias Naegele, Editor-in-Chief of Air & Space Forces Magazine; and others who helped shape the timeline and select key milestones to feature across both the air and space displays. 

“This hall is a celebration of the proud heritage of the Air Force and Space Force,” said Eylanbekov. 

To enrich the historical depth and authenticity of the exhibit, Birkey contributed original artifacts and archival materials that connect visitors directly to the eras being represented—including a World War I propeller blade, a piece of a B-17, as well as control wheels from a B-47, B-52, and C-5. Items from AFA’s collections were also highlighted, like original newspapers covering the early days of the space race, an Apollo 15 mission patch that was actually flown to the moon and back, as well as key documents that tie to the founding of the Space Force. Deptula also added some very unique historical pieces—including a map used on night one of the Desert Storm air campaign and an MQ-1 propeller. Combined, these artifacts, dozens of images, and quotations from air and space leaders yields a narrative structure and set of high impact visuals that reflect the evolution of airpower and spacepower over time. 

The space side of the Heritage Hall wall at the Air & Space Forces Association.

“This project was more than documenting history—it is designed to show how strategy, innovation, and leadership have shaped the Air Force and Space Force—two services that are intrinsic to our nation’s security,” Deptula said. “We wanted these timelines to reflect not just what happened, but why it mattered.” 

Designed with layered timelines, curated imagery, and clean, modern visuals, the hall creates a museum-like experience that blends storytelling with historical context. 

“Walking through the hall gives you a powerful sense of the Air Force and Space Force journey—and how deeply AFA has been connected to that story,” Naegele said. 

The Air Force Wall: Celebrating a Century of Airpower 

The Air Force side begins with the Wright brothers’ 1903 flight at Kitty Hawk, which paved the way for aviation in combat. It then moves through the rapid advances of World War I and II, highlighting the critical role of airpower in securing key effects. 

Highlights include: 

  • 1903-1916: Origins of Flight 
  • 1917-1938: Foundations of Airpower 
  • 1939-1945: Global Conflict (World War II) 
  • 1946-1991: Cold War Era 
  • 1992-Present: Modern Air Force  

Historic photos of figures like Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, Gen. Hap Arnold, Gen. Carl Spaatz, Gen. Ira Eaker, Gen. Curtis LeMay, and operational aircrews, along with images of aircraft, various quotes, and artifacts guide viewers through milestone events of U.S. Air Force history. It’s a tribute to the continual evolution and technological progress that define American airpower. 

Propeller blade from a B-17
Map used for targeting during Operation Desert Storm
Propeller blade from World War I
The air side of the Heritage Hall wall at the Air & Space Forces Association headquarters in Arlington, Va.

The Space Force Wall: Tracing the Rise of Spacepower 

Opposite the Air Force wall, the Space Force display explores the evolution of military space operations—from the pioneering efforts of Dr. Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocket propulsion, and Gen. Bernard Schriever, the father of the U.S. space and missile program, through the Cold War space race to today’s Guardians safeguarding U.S. interests in, from, and to space. 

Highlights include: 

  • 1926-1957: Early Rocketry and ICBM Development 
  • 1958-1969: Space Race and Cold War Era 
  • 1970-2000: Operational Space and Warfighting Integration 
  • 2001-2018- Advancing Space Capabilities 
  • 2019-Present: Birth of the U.S. Space Force  

Key moments include the launch of CORONA, the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, the establishment of Air Force Space Command, advancements in GPS and missile warning systems, and the creation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019. Each section is enhanced with imagery of satellites, rockets, and control systems, emphasizing space as a vital domain of national defense. 

“This wall tells the story of how space operations became essential to modern security,” said Col. Charles Galbreath, USSF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence at AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. “It gives visitors a clear sense of why the Space Force matters—and how far spacepower has evolved.” 

This flag carried aboard Apollo 15 during the first extended scientific exploration of the moon.
Air Force flag, AFA wings, and Mission Patch that were flown in space onboard Space Shuttle Discovery during STS 51-C
AFA flag and Crew Patch that were flown in space onboard Space Shuttle Atlantis during STS 27.
Space suit worn by Col. Nick Hague
Key moments in space history marked in the news

Where Legacy Meets Purpose 

“This isn’t just decoration—it’s a learning tool. It tells our unique story of air and space superiority,” said Lt. Gen. Burt Field, USAF (Ret.), President & CEO of the Air & Space Forces Association. “We want visitors to leave with a deep understanding of the history and heritage of the Air Force and Space Force and give a greater appreciation for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” 

The Heritage Hall is more than a tribute—it’s a living reminder of AFA’s mission: to promote dominant U.S. Air & Space Forces as the foundation of a strong national defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect our proud heritage. Formed in 1946, a year before the Air Force became an independent service, AFA has long championed the preservation of military history while driving innovation forward.  

Whether it’s a cadet exploring history for the first time, a veteran reflecting on their service, or a policymaker gaining perspective on air and space strategy, AFA’s Heritage Hall offers a powerful, immersive experience—connecting generations through the shared story of airpower and spacepower. 

The timelines end with “20XX,” a deliberate choice that points toward the unknown challenges and achievements still to come. It invites visitors not only to reflect on the past, but to imagine the future of the Air Force and Space Forces still being written. 

AFA invites all visitors—military, civilian, and community members—to experience the Heritage Hall and reflect on the incredible journeys of the Air Force and Space Force.