FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The iconic Iron Mike statue stands in front of the entrance of the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville.

What You Need To Know

  • The ASOM opened in 2000

  • Three million visitors have come by during those 24 years

  • The ASOM is a facility of the U.S. Army

“As you can see, he’s a 15-foot-tall statue on Currahee rocks. And he welcomes visitors here to the museum,” said Renee Lane, the ASOM Foundation executive director.

It costs thousands of dollars every three to four years to maintain Iron Mike and other statues and monuments at the museum. Right now, that is not possible.

“Losing a substantial part of our government funding hurts us in many ways,” Lane said. “It hurts us, because we cannot provide programs to the schools and the public. We are a resource for both.”

The funding from Cumberland County for fiscal year 2023 was half of what it had been in previous years. Funding for the upcoming fiscal year is zero. And that shortfall in funds is already having an impact.

The foundation reports reduced hours for the retail staff at the museum’s gift shop. No new programs are being presented. A hiring freeze is in effect, and two of the museum’s major attractions, its theater and simulator are closed.

While there’s no danger of the museum closing because it’s a U.S. Army facility, but the experience for all the visitors may be greatly reduced.

“It’s not going to be easy,” Lane said. “And I really don’t know what the future will hold. But we know this museum is important to this county and to the state of North Carolina.”

Spectrum News 1 reached out to Cumberland County for a comment about this situation. The county hasn't responded.

On Thursday, ASOM supervisors will make a presentation at the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners budget hearing at 7 p.m.

The museum also receives funding from grants and the City of Fayetteville. Donations can also be made to the ASOM.

It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is free.