Nell Calloway has been the Director of Chennault Aviation and Military Museum since 2008. The granddaughter of General Claire Chennault, the founder of the Flying Tigers, Nell has a passion for the museum’s mission that is both keenly professional and deeply personal. She leads the Chennault family’s vision for the General’s legacy through the museum and her constant work around the USA and Asia. She has worked tirelessly, both nationally and internationally, to remind people of the close relationship between the United States and the people of China and Asia during World War II.
Internationally, Nell has been an honored guest of the Chinese government on many occasions because the Flying Tigers are still the stuff of legend in China. She has met with the former and current Chinese Ambassadors, the former Minister of Defense, General Liang, and the Chief of Staff of the PLA, General Fang. Also, she has been a guest of the Taiwanese government, having received special permission from President Ma Ying-jeou, the Taiwanese government presented Nell with General Chennault’s Chinese medals. She received the Distinguished Friends of China award in 2016 from the Chinese Civic Center, Greater Houston Chinese Community and China National Day Celebration Gala.
Nell is a well-known advocate for veterans and their families across the United States and around the world. She regularly meets with veterans and their families. She is well known to the leaders of all the major American veteran organizations including the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. It has been an honor for her to be able to preserve the rich history of Northeast Louisiana. The Museum offers PTSD clinics every other week and the General Claire L. Chennault Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans meets at the Museum once a month.