Vanessa Martinez is the Executive Director of War Eagles Air Museum and a dynamic force in the warbird and aviation community. A licensed pilot in both fixed-wing and rotorcraft, she doesn’t just preserve history — she flies it.

Vanessa leads multiple aviation initiatives across the Southwest, including serving as VP of Air Operations for Amigo Airsho, VP of EAA Chapter 1570, and founder of the newly formed CAF Border Eagles Squadron. Her work has reenergized War Eagles Air Museum through innovative programming, veteran and youth outreach, and a bold reconnection with the national warbird community.

She’s also known for flying an OH-6 “Little Bird” helicopter into local schools — giving students a cockpit view of what’s possible and sparking dreams of flight.

With a relentless can-do attitude, Vanessa is blazing a trail that honors the past and builds the future of aviation.   Join us in celebrating her passion, leadership, and the legacy she’s helping to carry forward.