Mission and History
Warren D. Harkins
A native Texan, he was reared in west Texas and southeastern New Mexico. He briefly attended The University of New Mexico, then enlisted in the Air Force during the Viet Nam era. After two years he was awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Oklahoma, reentering the Air Force upon graduation as an officer.
Warren was assigned to the Strategic Air Command as a missile launch officer, completing several prestigious assignments.
Leaving the Air Force in 1982, he entered the family’s communications business and grew it from two employees to a publicly traded corporation in 1994. Merging the company in 1997, Warren started another communications entity and several smaller businesses, which he operates today.
Warren has a BA from the University of Oklahoma and a MPA from Golden State University in San Francisco. He lives in Abilene, Texas with his wife, Phyllis. They have three daughters, Shaunna, Jessica, and Gina.
military model story
Military equipment such as ships, aircraft, and vehicles each played a vital role in shaping history. Whether their service ended through obsolescence, retirement, or loss in battle, every piece of equipment has a story to tell. These models are an effort to preserve that history, commemorating not only the machines themselves but also the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the service members who operated, maintained, and depended on them.
Through these detailed representations, future generations can better understand the technological achievements, historical events, and personal experiences that defined military service across different eras and around the world. Each model serves as a tangible connection to the past, illustrating the evolution of military technology and the changing nature of warfare throughout history.
Beyond showcasing equipment, the collection honors the individuals whose service shaped the outcome of conflicts and helped preserve the freedoms enjoyed today. By preserving these stories in miniature form, the museum seeks to educate, inspire, and foster a deeper appreciation for the men and women who served their nations with distinction. Together, these models create a lasting tribute to military heritage, ensuring that the lessons, achievements, and sacrifices of the past are remembered for generations to come.
His Mission
Operate, support, and actively grow the privately owned museum experience through its extensive model collections, to educate and inspire present and future generations about military warfare and its vast history and the continued global relevance of its lessons.
His Vision
Honor the men and women who served in and supported military operations throughout history by educating and inspiring future generations through scaled down models.
About the museum
The galleries, exhibits, and artifacts displayed at the Museum of Military Models are part of the private collection of founder Warren Harkins and are housed on museum-owned property. Harkins and his dedicated team oversee all aspects of the museum’s daily operations, including the development and maintenance of educational exhibits, the organization of commemorative ceremonies, facility rentals, special events, and fundraising initiatives that support the museum’s mission.
The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing military history through a unique collection of historically accurate models, displays, and interpretive exhibits. Each gallery is designed to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the equipment, conflicts, and individuals that have shaped military history across generations. By combining education, remembrance, and community engagement, the Museum of Military Models serves as a place where visitors can explore the past, honor the sacrifices of service members, and gain a greater appreciation for the events and technologies that influenced the course of history.
Through ongoing research, collection development, and public outreach, the museum continues to expand its educational offerings and preserve important stories for future generations. Whether visiting for historical study, personal reflection, or family exploration, guests are invited to experience a meaningful journey through military history and heritage.