Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum Vets Reflect on Love of Flying

Marine Corps pilot Gene Atwell says he can’t remember a time when he didn’t want to fly—an ambition he traces back to childhood, long before military service. Now 71 and in his 50th year of flying, Atwell, of Doylestown, has served on the board of the Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum since 2025. He started in the Marines flying A-4 Skyhawks, spent 10 years in active duty and reserves, then moved from a Marine captain role to airline piloting. After retirement, he worked for a contractor providing in-flight refueling for the military, while volunteering at the museum.