SHAF honors Fordice

Dan Fordice founded the Southern Heritage Air Foundation in 2005 with a simple but powerful belief: the sacrifices and experiences of veterans should never be forgotten. What began as a personal mission to record the stories of World War II veterans grew into a museum, educational center, and living history organization that has impacted thousands of visitors from across the country.

For years, Dan traveled to meet veterans, listen to first-hand histories, preserve uniforms and artifacts, restore historic aircraft, and create meaningful experiences that connected younger generations with the realities of war, service, sacrifice, and freedom.

The Foundation’s museum at the Vicksburg-Tallulah Regional Airport, became more than a collection of artifacts and airplanes. Under Dan’s leadership, it became a gathering place where veterans could share experiences, families could preserve treasured memories, and students could encounter history in a deeply personal way.

In addition to his preservation work, Dan dedicated much of his life to supporting veterans from every generation. A veteran himself, having served in both the U.S. Army and the Mississippi Army National Guard, he later founded the Warrior Bonfire Program to support post-9/11 Purple Heart veterans through fellowship, outdoor activities, and peer connection.

Dan’s enthusiasm for aviation was inseparable from his passion for honoring those who served. He flew his personally owned P-51 Mustang, “Charlotte’s Chariot II,” at aviation events across the nation, frequently using the aircraft to educate audiences and provide memorable experiences for veterans and service members.

The accident occurred Tuesday afternoon while practicing his air show routine at the Vicksburg- Tallulah Regional Airport in Mound, Louisiana. Federal authorities are beginning their investigation, and the review process may take several months to complete. Out of respect for Dan’s family and the investigative process, we ask the public to avoid speculation regarding the cause of the accident.

As verified information becomes available, updates will be shared through the Southern Heritage Air Foundation website and official communication channels.

Those who knew Dan will remember his unmistakable presence, his storytelling, his generosity, his humor, and his unwavering commitment to serving others. More importantly, they will remember how he made people feel valued, especially veterans whose stories may otherwise have been lost to time.

Although the museum will be closed for an undetermined amount of time, the Southern Heritage Air Foundation remains committed to continuing the mission Dan cared so deeply about: preserving history, honoring service, and educating future generations.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan’s wife Ann Claire, their children Nathan (Sarah), Alaina and Erin, and all of his family, friends, fellow veterans, and the countless people whose lives were touched by his work and friendship.

About the Southern Heritage Air Foundation

The Southern Heritage Air Foundation is dedicated to preserving military aviation history, honoring veterans, and educating future generations through living history experiences, aircraft preservation, oral histories, and museum exhibits. Based near Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Foundation maintains historic aircraft and collections that help ensure the legacy of America’s veterans is never forgotten.