08/28/2026
Millville Army Air Field Museum Honors Three Families
During 85th Anniversary Celebration
On August 2, 2026, the Millville Army Air Field Museum (MAAFM) proudly hosted a commemorative celebration of the 85th anniversary of the day that Millville Airport was dedicated as America’s First Defense Airport. More than 250 Museum members and special guests attended the event, acknowledging the day that the U.S. War Department established Millville as the first airport to defend America’s
east coast from enemy attack at the onset of World War II.
The highlight of the August 2 commemorative event was the presentation of awards to John and Jana Scarpa; John and Lorie Ruga; and the Smithson Family, for their decades of support for the Museum’s three-part mission of education, honor and preservation.
“As we honor the history that our Museum preserves here at Millville Airport, we are so very proud to recognize these three families, who beautifully reflect our core mission,” said Lisa
Jester, MAAFM executive director. “On behalf of the MAAFM, I offer heartfelt thanks to each them for their genuine and generous support of our museum throughout the years.”
John and Jana Scarpa were commended for being champions of education.
John and Lorie Ruga were recognized as advocates for honor — celebrating veterans and military.
The Smithson Family, Beth, Doug and son Jack, owners of Big Sky Aviation at Millville Airport, were honored for supporting preservation of the important history at Millville Airport.
