There is a place that looks like a military airfield near the airport south of Boise. However, inside is Idaho's pride, the 'Gowen Field Military Heritage Museum', where you can see Idaho's military history at a glance.

When I first heard the name, I thought it was just a war memorial, but upon visiting, I realized it is not just a simple exhibition space; it showcases the lives of those who served in this area for over a century.

The museum is not very large, but it is filled with high-quality exhibits that are neatly organized. As you enter, the first things that catch your eye are the displayed aircraft models and actual combat equipment. There is an F-4 Phantom fighter jet, which was used extensively in Korea during the Vietnam War, and it is surprisingly large. Also on display are the A-10 Thunderbolt, still in active service in Korea, and the full-size engine and parts of a Black Hawk helicopter.

In the center of the museum, the history of the 25th Fighter Squadron, which is the origin of the Idaho Air National Guard, is organized with photographs, and portraits of active and reserve soldiers hang side by side on the walls.

One exhibit that was particularly impressive was the World War II corner. At that time, Gowen Field was one of the major training bases for the U.S. Air Force, where thousands of pilots and maintenance personnel trained. There are displays of an old cockpit, worn training uniforms, and letters and diaries from soldiers of that time, along with a memorial wall engraved with the names of soldiers who did not return from the battlefield. Seeing that made me reflect on those who went to Korea and did not come back.

On one side, there are exhibits related to the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Old helmets, military boots, and field utensils remain as they were, showing the passage of time. In particular, the records of veterans from Idaho who served during the Korean War are detailed. The phrase "Freedom isn't free" was written on the wall of the exhibition hall, and that one sentence seemed to encapsulate the meaning of this place.

Passing through the war equipment exhibition hall, you enter a more modern area. Here, records of the Gulf War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan War are displayed along with the latest military equipment. Items used in the field, such as drone control systems, bulletproof gear, and night vision goggles, are present, making it interesting for both children and adults. When I asked a staff member, they said that most of the exhibits were donated by the Idaho National Guard.

Another charm of the Gowen Field Museum is the volunteers.

Most of them are veterans, so they do not just explain the exhibits but share stories from their own experiences. One was a veteran of the Vietnam War, who vividly recounted moments he experienced as a helicopter pilot.

After touring the museum, I went out to the outdoor exhibition area. On the wide lawn, there are full-size military aircraft, tanks, and helicopters on display.

The old B-25 bomber still shows the marks of time, but its grandeur remains impressive. Children run around taking pictures, while adults quietly touch the surface of the aircraft, lost in their thoughts.

The atmosphere here is quiet yet solemn. There is no music or flashy decorations, but each exhibit conveys the weight of war and the courage of humanity. As I left the museum, a phrase hanging at the entrance caught my eye: "Remember the past, honor the heroes, and protect the future." This sentence lingered in my mind.

On the way back, an Air Force plane was conducting training flights above the airfield. The sound of the engine resonated strangely with the emotions I felt in the museum. It is a place that is not flashy but feels sincere, reminding us of the preciousness of an ordinary day that we enjoy; the Gowen Field Military Heritage Museum is such a place.