Aerospace firm donates 100K to museum

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - ATK, an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company, has committed $100,000 to the Air Force Museum Foundation , Inc. to support the expansion of the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The announcement made Jan. 4, 2013, said the funding will be used for the construction of a 224,000 square-foot LEED Silver certified building to house three galleries:  the Space Gallery, the Presidential Aircraft Gallery, and the Global Reach Gallery.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous gift from ATK," said Lt Gen Richard V. Reynolds, USAF (Ret.) and Chairman of the Air Force Museum Foundation Board of Managers. "The addition of a fourth building will significantly enhance the Museum’s ability to tell the full Air Force story and will provide a platform to increase the education of students and teachers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  Donations like this one will help us expand our reach and inspire young people to consider education and careers in STEM fields.”  

“We are proud to support this important effort in the Miami Valley,” said Michael Pekar, leader of ATK’s Dayton site.  “ATK focuses on projects that support and honor our military service members and their families; increase student interest and achievement in STEM; and create better, stronger communities."

With ATK's donation, the Foundation has secured $38.7 million of the $48.7 million project goal. Plans call for construction to begin in 2013 and the new building to open in 2015.