Fordice legacy to live on, SHAF to close at end of 2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Southern Heritage Air Foundation (SHAF) announced its Mission Forward Plan, which includes the closing of the museum at the end of the year.

The organization made the announcement in a press release following a series of meetings in the weeks after the passing of Founder and Chairman Dan Fordice on May 12, 2026. The Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and volunteers worked together developing the plan.

Patty Mekus, Foundation President said this decision is what Fordice would have wanted. She said she and Fordice had many discussions as to what would happen if he could no longer fly or she wanted to retire.

“Originally, my plan was to retire in 2028. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do” said Mekus. “He probably would have locked the museum doors and just flown his planes. It just wouldn’t have been the foundation.

Steve Gustafson, SHAF Board Member of 13 years, and Left Wing of the Hall of Fame Titan Aerobatic Team also said the plan is what Fordice would have wanted.

“Our volunteers have been the heartbeat of this Foundation for nearly thirteen years, carrying Dan’s mission into the community because they believe in it. He never let grass grow under his feet, and we’re moving forward with that same spirit and purpose,” said Gustafson.

According to Mekus, SHAF has worked closely with the FAA, NTSB, local law enforcement, insurance partners, the recovery team, and the Airport Manager and Airport Board. Every step has been handled with transparency, professionalism, and deep respect for the process. SHAF has also worked closely with Fordice’s family to finalize the direction and details of Mission Forward, ensuring that every step reflects his values, his vision, and the legacy he entrusted to all.

Mekus explained the foundation will continue to operate as close to as normal as possible for the duration of 2026. When the new year begins, the museum will contact families associated with the various artifacts in the museum to see if they would like back the belongings.

However, a silver lining to the tragic affair, Tommy Lofton who now runs the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby has received funds to move the current museum located inside the gates to a location outside the gates of the base.

“He was at the World War II Museum,” said Mekus. “He knows half our people.”

Mekus said because of the relationship Lofton formed with the families associated with the artifacts in SHAF’s exhibits, she feels like most of the displays will go to the new museum at Camp Shelby.

At the beginning of 2027, the foundation will no longer conduct fundraising efforts. Instead the year will be spent planning how to divide the money from the accounts to donate to some of Fordice’s favorite charities such as Mississippi Wing of the Commemorative Air Force or the Warrior Bonfire Program.

“The foundation has had an investment account,” said Mekus. “That account is growing so anything that is left towards the end of 2027, we’ll disseminate to the nonprofits that he [Fordice] supported and are like minded with us [SHAF].”

Mekus said there will be a 2027 Best Little Air Show in the World. The event will be planned as a celebration of Dan Fordice’s life. She also said the foundation will continue to provide NASA camps and STEM training for children throughout 2027, but the museum will be closed as the group prepares to transport the exhibits.

On Saturday, June 13, SHAF volunteers, many of whom have served faithfully for more than a decade, gathered for a time of prayer, remembrance, and direction. Their stories, laughter, and reflections on Fordice’s passion and generosity set the tone for the unveiling of the Mission Forward Plan.

“The gathering was a reminder that SHAF’s strength has always come from its people, the volunteers whose dedication has carried the mission forward for 14 years and continues to do so today,” a press release stated.

Mekus echoed this belief in the importance of the volunteers over the years.

“The mission Dan started, that we became a part of and all the volunteers became a part of, has really helped touch people’s lives. They go out into the community and they say positive things. They wouldn’t be volunteers for 13 years if they didn’t believe in the mission,” said Mekus.

According to SHAF, Mission Forward is not an ending. It is a continuation of Fordice’s vision and a commitment to carry his legacy farther than ever before. It is a pathway of endurance, optimism, and purpose, and one that honors the past while embracing the future with courage and clarity.

“Dan trusted us with something precious. And together, we will spread this mission with the same heart, courage, and unity that built it,” the release said.

“Since the passing of our Founder and Chairman, Dan Fordice, on May 12th, we’ve been working closely with our Boards, Dan’s family, and our volunteers to honor his legacy with clarity and purpose. Dan would never want to see grass growing under our feet, and in that spirit, we are moving ahead with our Mission Forward Plan. This plan reflects the heart of who we are, preserving history, honoring veterans, and serving our community with the same passion Dan lived every day,” said Mekus.

“On behalf of all SHAF volunteers, we hope our supporters are proud of the work accomplished over the past 14 years. Their support will continue to make a far-reaching impact on the preservation of history, the education of future generations, and the honoring of America’s heroes. Let us be clear, this is not the end of SHAF and Dan’s mission, it is the closing of one remarkable chapter and the beginning of another, filled with hope, purpose, and the enduring spirit of Mission Forward,” the press release concluded.

There will be a special Comedy Roast of Fordice set for Saturday, Oct. 17. For more information contact Mekus at patty@southernheritageair.org or by phone at 318-574-2731.