Meet Our Donors

Tony Vanchieri

Anthony (Tony) Vanchieri grew up in a small town in New Jersey with limited opportunities. Tony always admired the Marine Corps—having listened to his stepfather's stories of his time in the Corps—and he enlisted in 1976. One day, as a helicopter flew overhead, he realized he wanted to get out of the trenches and into the cockpit. In 1982, Tony earned his wings and was a CH-53 helicopter pilot for 24 years. He later worked for defense contractors before fully retiring in 2019.

Tony said, "The Museum highlights the Corps' global impact on the safety and security of our country. My legacy gift to the MCHF is my way of giving back for the great career—from private to naval aviator—and for the life-changing experience I received in the Corps."