Mutual of Omaha Supervisor Honors Veterans with Mobile Museum

He calls it his hobby, but Jerry Hanes, a supervisor in Plant Operations at Mutual of Omaha, has taken his hobby to the next level. Hanes is the man behind the Hanes Mobile Military Museum, a curated collection of military memorabilia and artifacts representing every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

He displays his collection at events related to veteran causes and military service throughout the greater Omaha community. He’s also participated in community events at local schools, churches, military balls, community events and award programs and fundraisers for organizations supporting veterans. 

“To get right down to it, I go wherever to honor military veterans and families and educate the public,” Hanes said. 

Collecting for more than 50 years

Hanes began collecting military memorabilia in 1972. “I come from a farming community where it seemed like everyone had served in World War I, World War II, Korea, or at the time, were serving in the Vietnam War,” he said.

“I listened to stories from these service members and their family members whenever I could. The American Legion and VFWs were active in my community, which also kept me interested in the military and history.” 

His collection started with a few small pieces.

“I had an uncle who was an artilleryman in WWII serving in the Pacific Theater,” he said.  “I had a few shell casings and a patch from him and that started my collection.” 

In 1985, Hanes joined the Air Force and was trained and supervised by those who served in World War II, including one individual who was at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Korea and Vietnam. He soaked up even more military history from them. 

Hanes had brought some of his military items with him from home.

“Someone knew I had the items and asked if I would display them at a military event. So, I did,” he said. “That is when I started picking up more stuff so I could put on bigger displays centering around the Army Air Corps and Air Force.” 

As time went on, he was asked if he had Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force items, so he began seeking out and adding these items.

“I have greatly expanded my collection and now cover all services,” he said.    

His display has grown so much he’s able to customize what he brings to each event. For example, he has a unique collection of military K9 items and items paying tribute to women in the military. 

Many items in the display come from yard sales, estate sales, flea markets, other collectors and online purchases. He also often receives donations from families who can’t bear to sell the items. 

“I get what information I can from the family and do some research to have a story card displayed with the uniform of that person. This has their military service, locations served, deployments, awards and what they did after their career and often includes a few photos,” he said. “I take great honor in caring for those items.” 

The Mission: Honor and educate

His mission for the Hanes Mobile Military Museum is threefold:

• To educate new generations and the public of our military history

• To share information about the lives and sacrifices of our military members and their dependents

• To show off his collection

Hanes’s museum also helps fill a void in the community.

“Many formal museums can’t take their items out for displays or are limited by their regulations, he said. “I do not have this issue. I have had museum curators contact me to help with events with displays.”

In addition to educating youth at school events, something Hanes enjoys most about his work with the mobile museum is helping others.

“At my displays, I get to listen to stories from veterans and their families and answer questions,” he said. “Sometimes people bring in items for me to identify or they contact me after the show to get information.

“They ask questions and show me things from their family members, such as uniforms, medals, ribbons, and patches. They want to learn about their family members’ military service, and I enjoy helping them figure it out.” 

A long career of military and civilian service

Having served as an engineer in the Air Force for 14 years, retiring as first sergeant, Hanes’ military experience helped build the skills he uses in his role with maintenance and plant operations.

With his job at Mutual of Omaha being a 24/7 effort, Hanes said balancing his work, his family and his hobby is a juggling act.

“Someday, I’ll retire and have more time,” he said. 

He plans to continue serving the community through the Hanes Mobile Military Museum as long as he’s able.

“I’m very thankful for 26 plus years in the military and for a supportive spouse and my kids who have helped through the years with displays and prep of the displays,” he said. “I’m happy to have the opportunity to share my hobby with people.”