Disabled American Veterans Returns to EAA AirVenture with Message of Support and a Salute to Veterans

Oshkosh, WI – Disabled American Veterans (DAV) returns to EAA AirVenture, bringing its message of service and volunteerism in support of our nation’s combat-wounded men and women to world’s greatest aviation celebration from July 25-July 31.

As part of an outreach program to increase public awareness of disabled veterans, the DAV Flight Team will be on hand at EAA AirVenture with two historic, fully restored Navy warplanes. Known as classic warbirds with legacies of power and service in the US Navy, the F-4U Corsair and F-8F Bearcat will be among the many airplanes gathered in honor of the Centennial of Naval Aviation. The Corsair and Bearcat will accompany the DAV Flight Team display -- standing as a reminder of the sacrifices veterans make for freedom and providing information about DAV programs and benefits.

Disabled American Veterans teams up with EAA Warbirds of America on Friday, July 29,  to present a concert by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. The concert is part of a daylong Salute to Veterans that will also include a Salute to Veterans Parade dedicated to recognizing veterans for their service.

“The DAV is thrilled to bring our message of volunteerism and support to our nation’s sick and disabled veterans to EAA AirVenture. We believe the men, women and children who will visit this event 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.

Wisconsin's EAA AirVenture 2011 Packed With Special Events, Tributes

OSHKOSH, Wis., May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Even three months before the official opening of EAA AirVenture 2011, tremendous excitement has already been generated by some of the featured programs and attractions scheduled for "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration."
Confirmed events for the 59th annual EAA fly-in convention, which takes place July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, include:

• Week-long commemoration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation, featuring unique aircraft attractions, appearances, and forums. AirVenture, which has been classified a Tier 1 event by the U.S. Navy for its year-long celebration, will feature "Navy Day" on July 27.
• Themed tribute days to aviation icons Burt Rutan (July 28) and Bob Hoover (July 26), featuring aircraft and aircraft maneuvers they made famous.
• The return of the widely popular Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks & Wall of Fire on July 30, capping off a "Super Saturday" filled with activities for the entire family.
• An unmatched gathering of new innovations of electric-powered aircraft as part of eVenture, featuring the $60,000 Electric Flight Prize contestants showcased in action.

Featured entertainment this year includes three concerts: REO Speedwagon for the opening day concert on July 25, presented by Ford Motor Company; actor Gary Sinise and the "Lt. Dan Band" on July 29, presented by the EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans; and country star Aaron Tippin on July 30, as part of Commemorative Air Force's "Red, White & Loud Tour" that will bring the world's only airworthy B-29 Superfortress, FIFI, to AirVenture as well. Those concerts are included with AirVenture admission, as are other features to be announced and the nightly Fly-In Theater presented by Ford Motor Company and supported by Hamilton Watches.
Advance purchase admission tickets at a discounted rate as well as camping for all dates are now available at www.airventure.org/tickets.

EAA AirVenture annually draws participants from more than 70 nations and in excess of 10,000 airplanes, including more than 2,500 showplanes. The event includes 700 exhibitors with the latest aviation innovations; nearly 1,000 forums, workshops and seminars covering the entire world of flight; daily afternoon air shows featuring the world's finest aerobatic performers; up-close sessions with top aviation personalities; and the gathering of aviation enthusiasts from around the globe.
Visit www.airventure.org for more information.