"It is my fondest hope that the sign of the Flying Tiger will remain aloft just as long as it is needed and that it will always be remembered on both shores of the Pacific as the symbol of two great peoples working toward a common goal in war and peace."

Recent Posts

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

With sadness we announce the passing of our friend, John Benton. John was a pilot, flight instructor, veteran, sheriff's deputy and supporter of the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum.

John you will be incredibly missed. Prayers and thoughts to all who loved you.Sheriff Jay Russell and Deputies are mourning the loss of a retired fellow deputy and friend, Captain John Benton. Captain Benton passed away after a lengthy illness Sunday, March 17, 2024.

He began his career at the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office in the Patrol Division in 1978 and retired in 2000. Prior to joining OPSO, he served in the U. S. Marine Corp and then was a deputy for the Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Those of us who worked with and remember John know that he believed in Law Enforcement and believed even more in modern and thorough training of Deputies and Police Officers. He was a patrol deputy for a few years, but his interest and effectiveness as a trainer were recognized early and that is where he spent most of his career, working his way up to the rank of Captain. He was a P.O.S.T. certified and NRA certified firearms instructor. He held numerous certifications in various areas of training and was recognized through out Louisiana and the United States as a top-notch instructor.

John taught firearms for many years at our North Delta Academy and there are a lot of Deputies and Officers working in area departments today that remember his classes and his instruction ability. He also taught at various other training facilities throughout the country when requested.

We will miss John. Some of us stayed in contact with him through the years and we always enjoyed talking to him and sharing stories.
Please keep his family in your prayers.
Funeral Services are not planned at this time.
... See MoreSee Less

With sadness we announce the passing of our friend, John Benton. John was a pilot, flight instructor, veteran, sheriffs deputy and supporter of the Chennault Aviation  & Military Museum. 

John you will be incredibly missed. Prayers and thoughts to all who loved you.
Load more

Recent Videos

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Coffee with the Curator - Women of WWII

Please like, share and donate at www.chennaultmuseum.org

Coffee with the Curator - Women of WWII Please li...

Coffee with the Curator - Mata Hari 

Please like, share and donate at www.chennaultmuseum.org

Coffee with the Curator - Mata Hari Please like,...

View All Videos

The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum

honors veterans and soldiers from WWI through Iraqi Freedom. Through expansive collections of artifacts and compelling stories of the men and women who have served our country, the visitor receives a captivating insight into why we honor our history and our heroes.

The museum is housed in the last remaining classrooms of the Selman Field Navigation School, the largest navigation school in the U.S. during WWII. The Museum honors the story of General Claire Chennault and the Flying Tigers during WWII and how one man helped change the war in China. The bilingual “Way of a Fighter” exhibit is based on General Chennault’s book written in 1949. The museum also tells the story of how a small crop-dusting business evolved into the second largest airline in the world, Delta Airlines.

Opening its doors in 2000 with 3000 square feet, its expanded galleries have grown to 10,000 square feet providing over 11,000 artifacts and several veteran outreach programs.  The aircraft restoration park will soon offer visitors a modern-day out-door facility with paved walk ways, covered pavilions, and restored military aircraft.

Image

Veterans Outreach

  • The Museum offers bi-monthly PTSD clinics for combat veterans.
  • Home of the General Chennault Chapter 51 of the Disabled American Veterans Association which includes van service to Jackson, Mississippi. The local DAV chapter has secured over $2 million annually in benefits for local veterans.
  • Partnered with the Library of Congress in their veteran’s Oral History Programs.

Education Programs

  • Chennault Museum is a regional judging place for the Nation History Day competition
  • Chennault Museum sponsors the Freedom Spirit Art Competition for local art students
  • STEM lesson plans offered online
  • Offers field trips in the museum and aircraft restoration tours
  • An extensive research library
  • College internship opportunities
  • STEAM based scavenger hunts

International Opportunities

  • Founders of the International WWII Museum Association
  • Partnered with the Victory Museum in Moscow, Russia on a D-Day exhibit
  • The museum is in cooperation of a Chennault exhibit for the Imperial War Museum in Great Britian

EXHIBIT ROOMS

FEATURES

GET YOUR MERCHANDISE
The museum shop has all the best historical, military, aviation, and veteran merchandise. Shop The Store

BUY A BRICK
Honor a loved one, remember someone who has passed away, or commemorate a special date by buying a commemorative brick for the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum's memorial walkway.
Take The Next Step

THE CHENNAULT FOUNDATION
The legacy of Gen. Claire L. Chennault and his Flying Tigers fighter group is a bond between the people of China and the United States, forged during some of the darkest hours the world has ever known. Read About It

AVIATION HALL OF FAME Honoring aviators or organizations who...

  • Helped shape the history of aviation and space flight
  • Made significant contributions for or while living in Louisiana
  • Are from Louisiana and are now famous Learn More Here

Subscribe to our email newsletter

Upcoming Events