EAA Salutes Our Veterans Throughout AirVenture

admin — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 21:18:34 +0000

EAA Salutes Our Veterans Throughout AirVenture.

Disabled American Veterans Brings Message to The N’awlins Air Show

admin — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:48:15 +0000

Belle Chasse, LA – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) brings its message of service and volunteerism in support of our nation’s combat-wounded men and women to the N’awlins Air Show on May 7-8, 2011.

More than sixty-five years ago, sixteen B-25 Mitchell bombers launched off an aircraft carrier to conduct the famed Doolittle Raid over Japan. The mission proved to be one of the most galvanizing events of the Second World War – establishing the B-25 as a symbol of American military strength and determination. Today, in its modern-day mission with the Disabled American Veterans Flight Team, the B-25 serves as a reminder of the sacrifices veterans make for freedom. In the company of this historic bomber, the DAV Flight Team travels to airshows throughout the country increasing public awareness of disabled veterans and providing information about DAV programs and benefits.

“The DAV is thrilled to bring our message of volunteerism and support to our nation’s sick and disabled veterans to this air show. We believe the men, women and children who will visit this air show are the patriotic, military-friendly citizens that have helped make this nation so great,” said DAV National Commander Wallace Tyson. “The DAV is proud to be among this crowd, and meet those who want to know more about our service to veterans.”

Disabled American Veterans, representing more than 1.2 million disabled veterans, is a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. It is dedicated to one, single purpose: building better lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families.

For more information about Disabled American Veterans go to www.dav.org or follow the DAV Flight Team at www.facebook.com/davflightteam.

Disabled American Veterans Brings Message to The MCAS Beaufort Air Show

admin — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:38:41 +0000

Beaufort, SC – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) brings its message of service and volunteerism in support of our nation’s combat-wounded men and women to the MCAS Beaufort Air Show on April 30 – May 1, 2011.

For more information about Disabled American Veterans go to www.dav.org or follow the DAV Flight Team at www.facebook.com/davflightteam.

Disabled American Veterans Brings Message to The Charleston Air Expo

admin — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:03:02 +0000

Charleston, SC – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) brings its message of service and volunteerism in support of our nation’s combat-wounded men and women to the The Charleston Air Expo on April 9.

More than sixty-five years ago, sixteen B-25 Mitchell bombers launched off an aircraft carrier to conduct the famed Doolittle Raid over Japan. The mission proved to be one of the most galvanizing events of the Second World War – establishing the B-25 as a symbol of American military strength and determination. Today, in its modern-day mission with the Disabled American Veterans Flight Team, the B-25 serves as a reminder of the sacrifices veterans have made and continue to make for freedom. In the company of this historic bomber, the DAV Flight Team travels to airshows throughout the country increasing public awareness of disabled veterans and providing information about DAV programs and benefits.

For more information about Disabled American Veterans go to www.dav.org or follow the DAV Flight Team at www.facebook.com/davflightteam.

Disabled American Veterans Brings Message to Sun n Fun International Fly-in & Expo

lizfoxjohnson — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:45:38 +0000

Lakeland, FL – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) brings its message of service and volunteerism in support of our nation’s combat-wounded men and women to the Sun n Fun International Fly-in and Expo – March 29 through April 3.

For more information about Disabled American Veterans go to www.dav.org or follow the DAV Flight Team at www.facebook.com/davflightteam.

Disabled American Veterans Brings Message to The Florida International Air show

lizfoxjohnson — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:09:27 +0000

Punta Gorda, FL – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) brings its message of service and volunteerism in support of our nation’s combat-wounded men and women to the Florida International Airshow on March 26-27.

For more information about Disabled American Veterans go to www.dav.org or follow the DAV Flight Team at www.facebook.com/davflightteam.

Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band Returning to AirVenture 2011

admin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:30:13 +0000

Last year more than 6,000 attendees packed into and around EAA’s Theater in the Woods to see Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band during AirVenture 2010, and we’re pleased to announce the actor and veterans advocate will make an encore performance for this summer’s annual gathering.

Sinise’s rockin’ ensemble will cap off a day-long salute to veterans on Friday, July 29, at an evening concert at Theater in the Woods hosted by EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans.

Sinise, who is well known for his role as Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor in the classic film “Forrest Gump” and as star of the hit TV series “CSI: New York,” is the band’s bassist and is a well-known supporter of veterans as well as active-duty military.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band to AirVenture,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. “Gary Sinise has been a tremendous supporter of our veterans and active duty military personnel and we’re proud to have the opportunity to join Gary in thanking our veterans for their service to our nation.”

The Lt. Dan Band covers everything from Bruce Springsteen to Linkin Park, Aretha Franklin to Jimi Hendrix. Following the band’s first hit concert before several thousand people at AirVenture 2008, EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans teamed up to sponsor the band’s return last year.

“The genuine interest Gary Sinise shows for our veterans fits perfectly with our objectives to pay tribute to our veterans at EAA AirVenture on July 29,” said Rick Siegfried, EAA Warbirds of America president.

EAA Warbirds of America is a non-profit organization and division of EAA that is dedicated to the preservation of former military aircraft, better known as “warbirds.” Since 1964, EAA Warbirds of America has worked to “Keep ‘em Flying.”

“Gary Sinise is a longtime advocate for Disabled American Veterans and continues to shine the light on our mission to build better lives for America’s disabled veterans,” said Wallace E. Tyson, DAV National Commander. “As a patriotic and family friendly venue, EAA AirVenture is an ideal setting to feature the Lt. Dan Band.”

The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents this nation’s disabled veterans. It is dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families.

Advance purchase admission tickets and camping for AirVenture 2011 are now available at a discounted rate.

DAV Breaks Ground on Memorial for Disabled

admin — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:18:40 +0000

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) broke ground en today on a memorial 12 years in the making on the corner of Washington and 2nd Streets in the shadow of the Capitol building in Washington D.C.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial will stand as a permanent reminder of America’s gratitude for those who have sacrificed in body, mind and spirit to maintain liberty and freedom.

Scheduled to be complete in 2012, the memorial will convey the interplay of strength and vulnerability, loss and renewal through granite and glass. The focal point will be a star-shaped pool – its surface broken only by an eternal flame. Water will flow over the fountain’s perimeter into a larger triangular pool. Three walls of laminated glass with text, images, and four bronze sculptures will tell the universal story of the disabled veteran’s pride of service, trauma, challenge to heal, and rediscovery of purpose.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi briefly discussed the bipartisan effort in Congress to make the funding available for the memorial, during the ground-breaking ceremony.

“[Disabled veterans] gave a part of their lives abroad so we could be safe at home,” she said. “Protecting and remembering our American veterans is and always should be our first priority [in Congress].”

In the name of all veterans past, present, and future, we break ground today to ensure that time does not dim the glory of their deeds,” she added.

Roberto “Bobby” Barrera, a disabled Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War added to Pelosi’s address by describing what it means to a disabled veteran not to be forgotten.

He was injured in 1969 when enemy forces exploded a 500-pound bomb beneath the armored personnel carrier in which he was traveling. The explosion and fire that ripped through the vehicle burned more than 40 percent of his body.

Since battling to overcome physical challenges he faced, Barrera has earned his bachelors degree in psychology from St. Mary’s university and later, a master’s of education degree in guidance and counseling. He was elected chairman of the DAV board at the organization’s 2010 national convention in Atlanta.

Barrera recalled for the audience a poignant moment last year when he participated in a VIP orientation of two B-25 bombers that were to fly over the track during the opening ceremonies of the Indianapolis 500.

“Some of the VIPs were returning troops from Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Barrera. “One in particular was paralyzed from the waist down. His father pushed the young man along in his wheelchair.

“To enter the B-25 bomber,” explained Barrera, “one has to climb up a steep ladder under the belly of the aircraft.

Barrera had already flown in a B-25, so he knew exactly how much of a challenge it would be for this young man to enter the aircraft.

He described the moment when it came time for the young man to board. His father rolled his son’s wheelchair under the aircraft and without hesitation, walked around and knelt in front of his son’s wheelchair with his back turned to his son. His son then leaned forward and grabbed his father by the arms and the shoulders, leaning as far forward out of his chair as possible. Then, with his son on his back, the father climbed up the ladder of the aircraft.

“That moment took me back some 40 years,” said Barrera, “when I began my journey as a disabled veteran. During those years I, too, was carried. When I thought that I could not take another step; when I thought that everything was so dark; when I thought that I didn’t have a future; when I thought that I could not continue my life – I was carried.

“What that father did for his son in Indianapolis that day clearly demonstrated that he would never abandon his son,” he continued. “This memorial clearly demonstrates that the American people will never abandon their nation’s disabled veterans.”

The effort to build the memorial began in 1998, when Lois Pope met with the now-deceased Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jesse Brown to create the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation.

“Far too often, [our disabled veterans] have been neglected, suffering long after the battle has been won and the guns have gone silent,” said Pope. “We owe them so much, and we can never thank them enough. This memorial will be a good start.”

National spokesperson for the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation, actor Gary Sinise, also attended the ceremony. Sinise is often remembered for his oscar-nominated performance as Lieutenant Dan in the movie Forrest Gump. A role Sinise described as “rare for an actor.”

“That role changed me and educated me about the strength and character of our disabled veterans,” said Sinise. “The story of Lieutenant Dan is a hopeful and positive story of triumph over adversity.

“When he was severely injured and his dream of becoming a great officer is altered, he goes through understandable pain and anger, but eventually learns to accept and live with his disability,” he continued. “In the end he finds peace.”

Sinise explained that though he has never served, he has learned much about the tragedies and triumphs of war from his family and the wounded veterans he has visited in the hospital. He has made it a personal goal to visit every veteran’s hospital at home and abroad to thank wounded service members.

“Their service has left a lasting impression on me,” said Sinise. “For all they have done, and all they have sacrificed, they don’t ask much in return. Knowing they are not forgotten, and that their sacrifice is appreciated, makes a world of difference. That’s why we’re here today – to make a world of difference.”

At the close of the ceremony, the crowd parted to make way for several disabled veterans who joined Pilosi, Berrera, Pope, and Sinise in the ceremonial first strike of shovels into the dirt.

Calvin Coolidge once said, “A nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.”

To date, there are more than 3,000,000 living disabled American veterans. More than 30,000 more men and women have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003 with lifelong wounds.

With ground now broken on the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, this nation will be reminded through granite and glass of the sacrifices our service members made for our freedoms, long after the last round goes down range and every one comes home.

Reposted from USO Blog; Written by Joe Lee

EAA, Warbirds of America to Present ‘Salute to Veterans’ at AirVenture

lizfoxjohnson — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:20:44 +0000

An extensive list of special programs and events honoring America’s veterans will be part of highlights during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, this summer, July 26-August 1. AirVenture’s “Salute to Veterans” is a national partnership led by EAA, the Warbirds of America, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Activities will take place throughout the grounds during the week, with DAV playing a major role in the featured events, including the concluding concert by actor Gary Sinise’s “Lt. Dan Band” on Friday evening, July 30.

“Those of us who enjoy the freedom of flight know that freedom comes at a cost-a cost borne by those who have served in uniform,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president. “This is the right thing to do at Oshkosh, because AirVenture is an event that honors flight like no other and is a great opportunity to salute those who serve and have served, and ensured our ability to participate in aviation. Salute to Veterans will be one of the primary focuses during AirVenture 2010.”

All veterans and active military personnel who are not EAA members are eligible for a special daily AirVenture admission rate of $28 (nearly 25 percent off the regular daily price). This special discount is only available for tickets purchased in advance through the www.airventure.org website. EAA-member military personnel will continue to receive the EAA-member rate, the lowest adult admission rate available to the event.

“DAV is honored to continue this wonderful partnership with the EAA,” said DAV National Commander Bobby Barrera. “The EAA’s commitment to honoring those who bear the scars of battle is truly remarkable.”

Along with the special admission pricing and Lt. Dan Band concert, other featured events and highlights during AirVenture’s Salute to Veterans are:

Specially designated forums and speakers throughout the week;
Historic and current military aircraft and personalities on AeroShell Square;
A mass gathering of veterans for a photo opportunities on Wednesday, July 28, and Friday, July 30;
An evening program focused on veterans on Wednesday, July 28;
A special air show segment featuring Vietnam-era Warbirds on Wednesday, July 28;
An upgraded Warbird Aircraft Display area with additional programs on military aircraft throughout the week;
The always-popular expanded Warbirds air shows on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31;
Additional programs and events as details are finalized.

The Salute to Veterans program will have a “Thank A Veteran” focus and will coincide with the 75th anniversaries of two significant U.S. military aircraft: The Boeing B-17 bomber and the Douglas DC-3 aircraft, which carried the C-47 (Army) and R-4D (Navy) designations during its active military service.

DAV Flight Team Kicks Off 2010 Airshow Season

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:06:36 +0000

AirSupport’s DAV Flight Team kicks off its eighth airshow season this weekend, March 20-21, at Thunder in the Valley in Columbus, GA. It’s is the first of approximately 25 shows that the DAV Flight Team will attend this year as part of the Disabled American Veterans Aviation Public Outreach Program.

Developed to increase public awareness of disabled veterans and to serve veterans in communities across the nation, the program uses a World War II era B-25 bomber and a fully-interactive display — reaching over 2.7 million airshow spectators each season. AirSupport LLC Event Coordinators work with each show to maximize media exposure and visibility for DAV. In addition, DAV representatives are on hand throughout the event to talk to veterans and their families.

Disabled American Veterans is a 1.2 million member, non-profit organization. Founded more than 80 years ago, DAV is dedicated to a single purpose; building better lives for America’s disabled veterans and their families.

To download a copy of the DAV Flight Team 2010 Schedule, click on this link then scroll to the end of the page.