Who We Are!

Board Secretary

Adrienne Eckstein retired from the U. S. Army in 2010 as a Lieutenant Colonel with over 21 years of service. She was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers. She served in the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Both deployments were with the 43rd Engineer Battalion (Combat Heavy). She was part of humanitarian and construction missions in Honduras, Paraguay, and Panama. She has supported missions within the United States after Hurricane Andrew, wild fires in Washington State, and a border road in Texas. She is a registered Professional Engineer.

She graduated from the United States Military Academy at West point in 1989 and earned a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington. Adrienne’s field grade assignments began as the Training Initiatives Officer at Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Her significant responsibilities were developing and presenting the Army Chief of Staff’s display at the Association of the United States Army annual meeting. The displays involved explaining Transformation and providing a visual framework for how a Transformed Army fights on the battlefield. Her next assignment was to Hawaii where she served as the Deputy District Engineer in the Honolulu Engineer District. Later she served in a joint assignment as the Chief of Legislative Affairs, United States Pacific Command and as part of the Commander’s Action Group. She coordinated congressional visits to Hawaii, drafted the Commander’s annual testimony to Congress, and reviewed legislation affecting the Pacific area of operations. Her final assignment was to Carlisle, Pennsylvania where she served as the Professor of Military Science at Dickinson College and the Commander, Blue Mountain Battalion. She supported the Army ROTC program covering eleven schools resulting in commissioning 26 Second Lieutenants into the Army in two years.

She currently is employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg, MS, where she resides  with her husband Jeff, who is a retired Colonel of the U.S. Army ( and a also graduate of The United States (West Point) Military Academy. They have three grown children, who have followed in their parents footsteps. Luke is a graduate of the United States (West Point) Military Academy,  Adrienne is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, and their youngest, Adam is a recent graduate of the United States (West Point) Military Academy. They attend St. Michael's Catholic Church in Vicksburg, MS.

Board of Directors & Chief Pilot

Jimmy was taught to fly by his dad, starting at the age of 14. By age 18 he had obtained his commercial, instrument, multi-engine, seaplane and flight instructor ratings. 

He is a 1975 graduate of Northeast Louisiana University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation. Jimmy has flown as a corporate and charter pilot on various multi-engine, Lear Jet, and Falcon 20 aircraft. In the late 70’s he flew air shows in a Pitts Special, Midget Mustang and Schweitzer 126 Seaplane.

Jimmy retired from Delta Airlines as a Captain on the Airbus 330. He has also worked as an instructor on Boeing 727 and DC-10 aircraft. Jimmy holds airline transport licenses in airplanes and helicopters as well as flight instructor and instrument instructor certificates in airplanes and helicopters. He has logged over 25,000 hours of flight time. 

Jimmy flies the number 4 Slot for the Hall of Fame Titan Aerobatic Team (formerly the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team), one of the most well known and respected acts in the Air show Industry. He is also a DPE and conducts private-pilot check rides. His hometown is Monroe, Louisiana, where he and his family are very involved in their Church. He is married to Susan and they have two married daughters, Melissa and Laura, and eight grandchildren.

Board of Director's & Treasurer

Steve began flying when he was a teenager, soloing his family’s T-6 (in fact the one his father Merle Gustafson performed in) while he was a Junior in high school. By the age of 23 he had accumulated over 4,000 flying hours. 

Steve holds a commercial, multi-engine instruments pilot license and “A Type” rating the North American B-25, and he is also rated in the FG1D Corsair. He is a CFI single and multi-engine instructor, Seaplane rated and is a Certified Commercial Aerial Applicator. He is a graduate of Sowella Technical University with an A&P license.

He is the son of the late Merle Gustafson (Angel of Okinawa Corsair fame). Steve started flying air shows at the age of 19 and has inherited his dad’s skill for aerobatics and formation while acquiring a competence skill style all his own. 

Steve is also an ICAS ACE Examiner. Steve flies Left Wing for the well know and well respected Hall of Fame Titan (formerly Aeroshell) Aerobatic Team. He has recently retired from an Aerial Application business in Tallulah, LA, where he also farms over 450 acres of cotton and corn. He has logged over 24,000 flight hours with no end in sight! 

He is married to Julie and has three grown children. Jennifer, Brad (also a pilot) and Ashlyn.

Board Member

“Bump” is a lifetime resident of Vicksburg & Warren County, MS. and is retired from the United States Army. Bump has served as the Coroner for Warren County, MS, and the Director of Warren County Emergency Management. He has served on several State-Wide Boards as President and is a member and former President for the Army/Navy Club. Bump is married to Peggy Brasfeild Callaway and between them, they have six children, twenty grandchildren and two great grand-children. Now retired, Bump and Peggy travel and volunteer for several organizations, as well as, the Southern Heritage Air Foundation. 

Board Member 

Bob is retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He is a certified flight instructor and volunteer pilot for the Southern Heritage Air Foundation in our Rides Program.

 Bob owns Little River Aviation. He is also a private pilot for Golding Barge Company, Fordice Construction Company and serves as the Foundation’s Air Show Co-Chair.

 In his spare time he teaches flying. Bob resides in Vicksburg, MS and is married to Susan. They have two grown children and one grandchild. 

Board Member

Sharron was born in Hattiesburg, MS to the late Sam Jackson and Vermell Tart Jackson. Her father SFC Sam Jackson, served during WWII in the 868th Aviation Engineer Battalion (part of the Tuskegee Airmen), Company C stationed in the Pacific, Australia, New Guinea, Phillipines and Brisbane. 

Sharron is the widow of Major William G. Harris, III, who served the U.S. Army Reserve, and Vietnam “Fall of Saigon-Operation Baby Lift.” Sharron attended L. J. Rowan High School. She received a Secondary Education degree— Endorsement area, from The University of Southern Mississippi, and an Elementary education degree—Endorsement Area, from Alcorn State University. Before retiring in 2015, Sharron taught for 30 years with the last 27 years at Vicksburg Catholic School. Before moving to Vicksburg, Mississippi, she taught Kindergarten classes at Atrium Education Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. She spent 19 years as a 2nd Grade Teacher, and 8 years as the Science Fair Coordinator for St. Francis Xavier Elementary—District MSEF Region II Science Fairs, taught Study Skill Classes at St. Aloysius High School, and was Director of After School SSS (Study-Snack-Service) Program to assist students who sought extra help at St. Aloysius High School. Sharron has one son William “Gabe” Harris IV (Andrea), and three grandchildren; Emily and twins, Sam and Charlie. She has a rich history of military service in her family. Her wish is that , “ALL veterans, especially wounded heroes, can be acknowledged with honor by a grateful nation of people for their devoted and selfless acts to keep us free and out of harms way. Because my late husband was a veteran with disabilities, I have seen first hand some of the many struggles veterans face on a daily, hour to hour, time frame.

Fundraising & Events

Dean is a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi. She attended Hinds Community College, received training in Child Psychology, grant writing and is a certified Zumba Instructor. Currently she is the Office Administrator for Shiers Communications, her family's business. Dean substitute teaches at Vicksburg Catholic School, and serves on several Boards including: Vicksburg Riverfest, Vicksburg Main Street, S.T.O.R.M. and the Southern Heritage Air Foundation’s Advisory Board.

Dean resides in Vicksburg, MS with her husband Chuck (U.S. Marine Corps) and she is involved in many community activities, and at Crossway CHurch. She has 4 children, Veronica, J, Ilona and Landen.

Events & Building Care

Paul is a native and lifetime resident of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He is retired from International Paper.

He lives on Eagle Lake, MS and is married to Linda. They attend St. Paul's Catholic Church (where he serves in the Choir) and He and Linda have three grown children, Carl, Nicholas and Vincent. 

Paul has been a longtime volunteer of the Southern Heritage Air Foundation, the Warrior Bonfire Program, and many other good causes.

     Advisory Board President

Jim has a Bachelor of Science  degree in Civil Engineering from California State University-Fresno and  is a registered Professional Engineer in Mississippi.  Born in Lubbock,  Texas he and his wife, April, with their four children have called  Mississippi home since 1983.  He is currently semi-retired after 33  years in design engineering with Entergy at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.   Jim is an avid photographer, often seen around the airport with a  camera around his neck, enjoys being outdoors and traveling around the  country. He has a long-time interest in military history and aviation.

Volunteer Coordinator

Beth is a Tru-Vision Consultant, and serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Museum and Foundation. 

Beth has a deep love of history and our military, and shares that when volunteering for the many events and educational activities that the Southern Heritage Air Foundation & Museum offers. 

She has volunteered at SHAF for over 10 years and is always involved in the Air Shows, Warbird Clinic, Hangar Lunches, Educational Events, and promoting all we do.

Beth enjoys serving as a Docent for the Museum and giving museum tours. 

She is married to Leland Paul Fields (Retired U.S. Air Force & U.S. Army). They live in Mound, Louisiana with their sweet Yorkie Esther.

Military Liaison

Paul is retired from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army. 

He is a pilot and has a passion for honoring the Military and those who serve and have served. 

Paul serves as the Military Liaison for the Museum and Foundation. 

Paul has volunteered at SHAF for over 10 years and is always involved in the Air Shows, Warbird Clinic, Hangar Lunches, Educational Events, and promoting all we do. He leads the prayers at the Opening of most all of our events.

Paul is married to Elizabeth (Beth) Fields. They live in Mound, Louisiana with their sweet Yorkie, Esther.

Paul & Beth are very involved in the Men's Group & Ladies Group at their church, Triumph Church.

Community Outreach

 John grew up in a military family and was born at Dyes AFB in  Abilene, TX. Shortly thereafter their family moved to Okinawa Japan for 7  years. After living on Kadina and Naha AFB as well as his mothers  hometown of Itoman Okinawa, the family moved to Sumter, SC where his father finished his 22 years of service at Shaw AFB. The  family moved back to his fathers hometown of Vicksburg, MS in 1971. 

After high school, John ran and was elected Constable in the  Southern District of Warren County in November of 1983 and has been  elected every four years since then serving over 38 years. He also has  served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Mississippi Constables Association since 2002, serves on the Advisory Council of Vicksburg  Catholic School and is on the board of the LeTourneau Volunteer Fire  Station. 

John and his wife Suzanne reside in Vicksburg, MS where they have  two businesses they run together along with their daughters Haley and Madison. They have three grandchildren and attend St. Michael Catholic  Church.