The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (PHAM) today honored Pacific Air Cargo (PAC) Founder and former PHAM Board member, Ms. Beti Ward, by naming the main classroom at their newly completed Aviation Learning Center on Ford Island in her honor. To be known as the Ward Room, this modern classroom, along with the flight simulator room and aircraft hangar, will be used to advance math and science competencies of young students, preparing them for potential careers in various spheres of the aviation industry and beyond.
Speaking following today’s dedication ceremony, Pacific Air Cargo CEO & President Tanja Janfruechte said, “Beti was a natural teacher and wonderful mentor to me and many of our current management team, right up until her untimely passing in 2018.” Adding, “She would be justly proud of this recognition of her unstinting commitment to the aviation industry and to the growth and development of the next generation of service men and women, and industry professionals.”
Beti served passionately on the PHAM Board for more than 8 years, lending not only her business prowess to the great work of the museum but also the generous support of her organization, Pacific Air Cargo, shipping essential materials and equipment, and precious exhibits from Los Angeles to Honolulu throughout the years.
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s Chairman, Gen. Ray Johns, USAF (Ret) said, “Beti was an innovator, a leader, who always looked forward and used her own successes to empower the future for the younger generations. She inspired and encouraged the advancement of our historical and educational goals. She cared and mentored all who came across her path.”
PAC’s Chief Operations Officer, Thomas Ingram said, “Many of us who attended this moving dedication ceremony today worked alongside Beti from the birth of Pacific Air Cargo back in 2000 and we’re delighted to continue her legacy through our ongoing support of this exceptional and historic Aviation Museum.”
