When Jacob Hack first visited the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ as a child, he had no idea the experience would shape his academic journey or inspire him to go from Museum visitor to Foundation donor.
Like many young visitors, Jacob was captivated by the stories preserved within the Museum’s massive hangars. But one story in particular stood out: the incredible account of Lt. No Kum-Sok, a North Korean MiG-15 pilot who defected to the United States during the Korean War. No’s daring flight to freedom became even more meaningful to Jacob when he learned something remarkable – Rowe was his father’s thermodynamics professor in college.
That personal connection brought the past to life. The Museum’s exhibits were no longer just displays. They were living history, woven into Jacob’s own family story.
Inspired by this experience, Jacob spent months researching No Kum-Sok (now known as Kenneth Rowe) for his AP U.S. History class. Despite being exempt from final exams and projects, Jacob poured his energy into creating a detailed presentation that ultimately earned a place in his school’s AP History Hall of Fame.
“The only reason I am able to write about this project is because of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force,” Jacob reflected in an essay. “My experiences at the Museum have been incredible… In a way, it rekindled my passion for the aerospace industry.”
Jacob also recognized the importance of the Foundation that helps make those experiences possible.
“The Museum is… funded [in part] by a nonprofit organization called the Air Force Museum Foundation. I felt very compelled to support this organization as a way to give back; accordingly, I have donated to the Foundation.”
We’re honored to have Jacob as a Friend, and we’re grateful to the Hack Family and all the Friends of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ who help make these life-changing experiences possible.
Join Jacob in supporting the Air Force Museum Foundation. Your gift helps inspire future generations, preserve incredible stories, and ensure the Museum remains a place of learning, wonder, and connection for years to come.
A version of this story first appeared in the Spring 2025 edition of the Friends Journal.
