![Apollo 11 and beyond VR experience with astronaut on the moon](/sites/default/files/styles/card_small/public/2023-07/Apollo%2011%20%26%20Beyond%20Page.jpg.webp?itok=gUPkjo7-)
This National Volunteer Month we are recognizing former crew members who are now volunteers at the Intrepid Museum.
Stu Gelband joined the Navy in 1969 and was assigned to Intrepid in January 1970. Stu served on Intrepid for over two years as a machinist’s mate in the ship’s aft engine room. During his service, he visited an array of countries including England, Spain, Germany, & Denmark. He left the Navy in 1972 but returned to Intrepid in 2016 to volunteer as an exhibit explainer on Intrepid’s bridges, flight deck, and hangar deck.
Former Crew Member Tony Francica was born in Italy and came to the United States when he was 11 years old. He joined the Navy at age 18, and served aboard Intrepid as an EN3 (Engineman Third Class) during its second of three cruises off the coast of Vietnam. He left the Navy in 1973, but returned to Intrepid in 2012 to serve as a volunteer. During his time as a volunteer, Tony has dedicated over 2,000 hours to the museum. You can find Tony serving as an exhibit explainer on Intrepid’s bridges and on the submarine Growler.
![Stu Gelband joined the Navy in 1969 and was assigned to Intrepid in January 1970.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_small/public/2023-07/Volunteer-1%20%281%29.png.webp?itok=xs5SkEV2)
![Former Crew Member Tony Francica was born in Italy and came to the United States when he was 11 years old.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_small/public/2023-07/Volunteer-2%20%281%29.png.webp?itok=yu48i496)
![Two children play inside a mock space capsule located in the Museum's Exploreum](/sites/default/files/styles/card_small/public/2023-05/C20A2613.jpg.webp?itok=qRne9Y1n)
Want to visit the museum? We would love to have you! Find out all about our offerings here and plan your trip today.
![A man and woman read an exhibit panel on Intrepid's flight deck while their child points at the propeller of an aircraft.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_small/public/2023-05/C20A9282web.jpg.webp?itok=xegVQdKK)
If you join our membership program you can visit the museum any time! Plus enjoy many membership perks at a discounted rate.