Retired Vice Admiral Jack Fetterman announced today that the Pensacola law firm of Aylstock, Witkin & Sasser has purchased and donated the entire collection of Trader Jon’s memorabilia to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation (NAMF), ensuring that the collection will be preserved and maintained in Pensacola.

For almost half a century, Trader Jon’s was the bar of choice for Navy and Marine Corps flyers stationed in Pensacola. Its legendary owner, Martin Weismann, a.k.a. Trader Jon, earned fame throughout the US military for his habit of trading drinks for military memorabilia, which he used for decorations. Now, that collection of traded, donated and scrounged items will become a permanent part of US Naval history through the Foundation.

The Trader Jon’s collection has been appraised at over $2 million, but Admiral Fetterman, president and CEO of the NAMF, said its value is immeasurable to the pilots, sailors, soldiers and Marines who made it their favorite haunt.

“Trader Jon’s lives on in our hearts and always will,” said Admiral Fetterman. “This collection is the physical embodiment of our memories, now preserved forever by the generosity of Aylstock, Witkin & Sasser.”

Trader Jon’s was opened on New Year’s Day in 1953 by Weismann, who trained during WWII to be a paratrooper when a damaged ankle left him with a limp and permanently bowlegged. His legendary “mismatched socks” created the tradition of getting a free drink if a patron caught him with matching ones.

His desire to collect military souvenirs came from his close friendship with one of the original Blue Angels along with his lifelong love for Naval aviation and bartering free drinks for something of value.

Escambia County Commission Chairman Bill Dickson summed up the significance of Trader Jon’s legacy: “It is rare that official Navy message traffic carries the news of a civilian passing away. In fact, I am only aware of two: One was Bob Hope and the other was Trader Jon.”

US Senator and former naval aviator John McCain (RArizona) offered the following statement: “Trader Jon’s was a place where Naval Aviators went to relax, swap stories and enjoy each other’s company. I cherish the memories of my time spent there.”