NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 12, 2010)—Country music superstar
Aaron Tippin and the
Commemorative Air Force (CAF) are joining forces to honor American Military Aviation and 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 general public so that generations of Americans will understand and appreciate the historical 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. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.
