The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force honors the legacy of a legendary group of World War II airmen—those who flew dangerous missions into Nazi Germany to dismantle the Luftwaffe and help end the war in Europe. The museum, located in Pooler, Georgia, attracts visitors from across the country who want to experience the personal stories of courage, sacrifice, and freedom.

Yet even with its strong national reputation, the museum faced a challenge: its current footprint couldn’t match its vision. The exhibits didn’t reflect the breadth of its growing collection. The visitor experience lacked the immersive storytelling that could bring history to life for a new generation.

To prepare for a major expansion and ensure these stories would be preserved for the future, the museum launched the Maximum Effort capital campaign—and partnered with the Winkler Group to bring it to life.

The Campaign: National In Scope, Deeply Personal

The Maximum Effort campaign was more than a funding initiative; it was a personal mission for many of its leaders. Among the national figures spearheading the effort were former Texas Governor Rick Perry, New York Mets President Sandy Alderson, and businessman John O’Neil—all sons of Mighty Eighth veterans. Their connection to the mission brought energy and authenticity to the campaign from day one.

But leading a campaign of this scale required more than passion—it demanded strategy, structure, and ongoing support. That’s where the Winkler Group stepped in.

From the beginning, the Winkler Group provided campaign counsel, volunteer training, and a structured roadmap to keep momentum high. We equipped the museum’s internal team and campaign steering committee with tools, talking points, and clear goals. As the campaign scaled, we helped ensure every leader, from staff to volunteers, felt confident and prepared.

As Executive Director Scott Loehr said, “We could not be where we are today without the Winkler Group. They gave our staff, our campaign steering committee, and volunteers the confidence to succeed every step of the way.”