Space Coast uniform donated for public display in Daytona Beach

Local Chapter of The Space Force Association and The Veteran's Museum and Education Center unveil first ever publicly displayed Space Force uniform in Daytona Beach.

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The Space Coast Chapter of the Space Force Association made history when it gifted an authentic, fully fielded, active-duty Guardian Space Coast Uniform to The Veteran’s Museum and Education Center in Daytona Beach, on Tuesday, Aug. 4. It was the first time such a uniform has been donated for display in the United States.

“The government doesn’t make these in bulk,” said Florida Sen. Tom Wright (District 8). “Since there are only 3,000 guardians in the Space Force, they make them individually for each member.”

Wright, who is the chairman of the Military Veterans Space and Domestic Security Committee for the state of Florida, spoke at the event, and was actively involved in the search for the uniform.

“This means the world,” Wright said. “We’ve been looking for this uniform for over a year. I was not aware how hard it was going to be.”

Chelsie Bottoms, the president of the Space Coast Chapter of the Space Force Association said, “This uniform is a little bit more special.”

Bottoms’ husband, Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) Senior Master Sgt. Ernesto Bottoms, personally donated his own active duty uniform for the display. He has served over 18 years in combined military service.

Chelsie Bottoms spoke especially to the veterans in attendance.

“You [veterans] understand the significance of preserving military heritage, Bottoms said. “Each uniform tells a story that represents the men and women who answered the call to serve and the evolution of our nation’s defense.”

Part of The Veteran’s Museum and Education Center mission is to educate the next generation about the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served our country.

“When young kids grow up and they see these uniforms and what it represents, and they see the pride that these young men and women have in their country and for their community and for their family, then it inspires them to serve,” said Robert S. Katz, CEO and executive director of World Innovation Network. “We’re here to pass that torch on to look up to the next generation. So that they can also aspire to be protectors and guardians.”

Wright said that he hopes more people will take the time to go see the uniform on display.

“It’s right here in Daytona,” Wright said. “Right here in our backyard.”

The Veterans Museum and Education Center is located at 302 Vermont Ave. in Daytona Beach. Visit www.vmaec.org.

 

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