Freedom of Flight Celebration Honoring Heroes, Legends and Reno air Racers
On the evening of September 6th 2012 Photorecon was on hand to cover the Freedom of Flight Celebration Honoring Heroes, Legends and Reno air Racers. This special tribute celebration was hosted by Atlantic Aviation DVT. The event honored the American spirit to overcome tragedy, such as last year’s events at Reno and to honor those who have served and continue to serve our great country. On hand were several individuals who experienced the Reno tragedy first hand, being within feet of the impact area. Jim Schulte General Manager of Atlantic Aviation DVT was one of the people who witnessed this tragedy first hand and will forever be touched by the events of that Friday afternoon. The event kicked off with a presentation of colors by the Luke AFB Honor Guard followed by a prayer and blessing by Rev. Del Schultz, leading up to a heartfelt award presentation.
One of the honorees this year was USAF Capt. (Ret) Brian “Noodle” Udell, an F-15E fighter pilot, Udell miraculously survived one of the fastest known ejections in history at more than 800 mph. He survived four grueling hours 65 miles off the Atlantic Coast in 60-degree water, 5-foot seas, and 15 M.P.H. winds at night. Brian left the Air Force in 1999 and he is currently a pilot with Southwest Airlines.
The event hosted an auction with proceeds going to Special Operations Warrior Foundation lots of great items were offered and bid on.
On hand representing the Reno Air Race part of the event was the highly modified P-51 #38 Precious Metal Flown by race Pilot Thom Richard, We have followed this aircraft for years and I have to say, I have never seen her looking better or more ready to be a contender at the Reno air races. The aircraft is sporting a new prop with longer more dynamic looking tips, along with a gleaming new highly polished skin and new lettering in yellow and black high energy font.
As we were taking in all the changes to the P-51 the south hangar doors opened to reveal a 40’ custom Party bus that is part of the Heroes and Legends Tour brought to you by Jim Pera – CEO, Aim High Events and Marketing. The bus that has been customized with a reinforced roof that can accommodate up to seventy people, performing bands, and internally has a fully functional Irish pub bar!
After introducing Jim Para to officially kick this party off the band Suspect played great music and kept the party going until 12:00am. This was a great time for all; I am already looking forward to next year. Who knows we might have a Reno gold winner #38 in the hangar for that one.
We would like to thank every one who made this Celebration possible.
Here is a bit more about the Heroes and Legends Program and the Party bus…………………….
The Heroes and Legends Tour is a very special program designed to honor our military heroes both past and present . The primary mission is to make stops in different cities across the nation to pay respect to the men and women who have put their lives on the line to defend the freedom that we all enjoy today. The Heroes and Legends Tour will raise funds and visibility for Operation Warrior Junction. Operation Warrior Junction supports Special Operations Warrior Foundation’s “Wounded Special Operations Forces (SOF) Program” in the conduct of our Mission to ease the pain and scars sustained by wounded SOF and their families. We dedicate the full force of our personal efforts, heartfelt thanks and resources to providing emergency first response financial, psychological and emotional assistance to special operators surviving the chaos of combat and their families who must care for them forever. The tour will utilize a one of a kind, custom built bus that is designed to generate attention and entertain guests. The program is media friendly and will not only raise visibility for our heroes and inspire all who attend, but will raise funds for Operation Warrior Junction, which benefits the families of special operations personnel who are killed or severely injured in the line of duty. At each stop a presentation and dedication ceremony will take place to honor our heroes.
One of the highlight stops will see the bus participating as the official backdrop for the Precious Metal P-51 Mustang air race team which will be participating in the prestigious Reno Air Races on September 12-16, 2012. The tour will take place from September thru October 2012 and presents many marketing opportunities for partners who wish to participate.
The Heroes and Legends Tour will utilize a unique 40 foot bus that has been customized with a reinforced roof that can accommodate up to seventy people, performing bands, and internally has a fully functional Irish pub bar! BUS HIGHLIGHTS:
•40 foot overall length, 13’9” in height
•22 foot viewing platform with retractable awning
•Sound system with 50 HD Plasma TV’s accommodates 30 -40
•19 ft fold down awning on the passenger and entry side
•Inside 3 air conditioning units, two separate lounging areas
•4-32 HD Plasma TV (also has satellite system for all TV’s
•Decorated as a Pub type atmosphere to make you feel right at home.
•7000 watt generator to have all the comforts in any location.
We are very excited about this unique project and would like to extend an invitation to participate. This opportunity is extremely time sensitive. Please contact us at the number below to discuss your specific needs and explore the best possible way to position your products or service.
For more info or to help please contact:
Jim Pera – CEO, Aim High Events and Marketing
661-714-9781
More on the 750+MPH Ejection of Cap (ret) Brian Udell http://www.ejectionsite.com/insaddle/insaddle.htm
