To Make Special Appearances At CAF Events Throughout 2010
Country music superstar Aaron Tippin (right) and the
Commemorative Air Force (CAF) are joining forces to Honor American
Military Aviation and to remind Americans of the men and women of
the armed services who have sacrificed for our freedoms.
Tippin will dedicate his time and talents as the 2010 CAF celebrity
spokesperson; his involvement will include special appearances at
various Commemorative Air Force events across the country, filming
and recording a number of public service announcements and a
potential cross-country tour in conjunction with CAF exhibitions is
in the works.
The Commemorative Air Force (headquartered in Midland, Texas) is
an all member-volunteer, 501c3 nonprofit organization established
with a multi-purpose objective: to acquire, restore and preserve in
flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft flown by
all United States military services; to honor the service of those
who fought in flight, and educate the American public so that
generations of Americans will continue to value and support the
contributions of military aviation in assuring our nation's
freedom. The CAF is the largest flying museum in the world,
operating 156 vintage military aircraft, and displaying them at air
shows around the country, often reenacting historic air
battles featuring the actual period aircraft in flight. "I am
very excited about working with the CAF," Tippin states. "As a son
of a pilot, a pilot myself and patriot, the mission of the
organization is especially important to me: acknowledging the
history of this great nation and the service men and women who make
our freedoms possible is stellar and I'm happy to champion the
organization's efforts."
An airman himself, Aaron soloed his first flight on his 16th
birthday. He became a commercial multi-engine
instrument-rated pilot by the age of 18 and is also
helicopter-qualified. A certified aircraft and power plant
mechanic, he owns a 1941 Stearman, a 1946 J3 Cub and 1959 Helio
Curior--all in flying condition.
As a supporter and frequent traveler to visit and perform for
our American brothers and sisters in uniform in Iraq and
Afghanistan each year during the Thanksgiving Holiday, Tippin
understands and has experienced first-hand the importance of
supporting our troops. He's made annual trips to spend
time and visit with our forces in Iraq for the past six consecutive
years. "Over the past two years I have gotten to know Aaron
personally and seen his commitment to our Armed Forces and his
passion for aviation", said Stephan Brown, President of the CAF.
"We are honored that he has agreed to help us promote the
Educational Mission of the CAF. Like our CAF members, Aaron
recognizes that we must remind Americans of the sacrifices our
Armed Forces' have made and continue to make, to ensure our
freedoms. One of the more unique aspects of Aaron's role, will be
his actual participation as a pilot in select CAF vintage military
aircraft. As a skilled aviator, he can walk the walk."
Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft
for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force ranks as
one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is
dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight,
exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association,
the CAF has approximately 8,500 members and a fleet of 156
airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in
27 states for care and operation.