While we work hard on ship restoration efforts, planning memorable events and museum enhancements, the true magic of Midway is best told through stories of those who love and support our ship.
I met Scott and Meredith Amsbaugh long before I stepped foot on Midway and ironically, I have another membership program to thank for our initial introduction. While working at Petco Park, Scott and Meredith were among the friar faithful who I got to know as dedicated San Diego Padres members.
I attended a Midway member event in 2016 just months after I started working on board and was pleasantly surprised to see two familiar faces. The Amsbaughs became Midway members more than 10 years ago to celebrate their shared love of history and honor family military service. Meredith’s grandfather and father served in the Navy and were stationed in San Diego. Scott and his brother both served for four years and Scott’s father served as a Navy corpsman with both Navy and Marine Corps units. After completing his basic training at Naval Training Center San Diego, Scott always felt a pull to return. He moved back and began a new chapter in life with Meredith, a north county coastal native San Diegan.
“Seeing how much the military has shaped our city, we wanted a way to stay connected to that legacy and support the preservation of such a vital part of our community,” said Meredith. “For us, supporting the military and the Midway simply feels like carrying forward the values we were raised with.”
The family tradition continues as their grandson is currently serving in the US Air Force Special Operations and Air Combat Commands.
Scott and Meredith’s favorite member benefit is having access to exclusive events. They are regulars at our behind-the-scenes tours, State of the Ship dinners, and new exhibit preview experiences.
“There is truly nothing better than getting to know the ship directly from the dedicated team that keeps her afloat,” said Scott. “The knowledge the docents share on the behind-the-scenes tours keeps Midway’s history alive. These are unique opportunities we simply can’t get anywhere else.”
When they aren’t attending events on board, Scott and Meredith like to wander the decks and listen to firsthand stories from our volunteers.
“No two visits to the Midway are ever the same,” said Meredith. A trip to Midway back in July 2017 stands out. It was the first and only time we had our entire family on board together. Watching three generations explore the flight deck, learn about history and simply laugh together was a gift. It remains one of the greatest days our family has ever shared.”
To celebrate and honor their family’s military roots, the Amsbaughs were the very first members to buy a legacy brick for Freedom Park. Their passion for Midway and support of several local military organizations is an inspiration for those of us who are fortunate enough to know them.
The dedication and enthusiasm of you, our members, makes me so proud to be part of this Midway family. Please reach out and share your membership story so we can share it in the future.
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