CAF Red Tail Squadron – Event Update EAA AirVenture 2013 – July 29 –August 4, 2013
Dates: July 29 – August 4, 2013
Event: 2013 AirVenture Oshkosh
Location: Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, WI
Attendance: Estimated at over 500,000
Registered: 2,087 saw the Rise Above movie
Brad Lang, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, Bill Shepard, John Beyl, and Steve Kaminsen pose by the Mustang.
AirVenture Oshkosh is known as an international gathering place for aviation enthusiasts and one of the most influential aviation events in the world. Each year an estimated 10,000 aircraft fly in and over 500,000 people attend the event.
Though the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s Mustang has been at the prestigious event for the last few years, the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit was part of Warbirds Of America this year. Prominently exhibited on Warbird Alley, the display included the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit and the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s P-51C Mustang.
Throughout the week, special guests include original Tuskegee Airmen, Milton Williams Jr. and Alexander Jefferson. TAI Chapters from Detroit and Chicago were also present and provided assistance.
Numerous interviews and press conferences were conducted throughout the week, with Brad Lang, Doug Rozendaal, Bill Shepard, Alan Miller and Paul Stojkov. LaVone Kay attended the press conference and were available for numerous media opportunities.
With John Beyl and Steve Kaminsen in attendance, they spent numerous hours polishing the Mustang to perfect condition and countless hours preparing the plane for the performance in the show. The spectators enjoyed watching them in action and they were quite an addition to the entire display. Together they fielded numerous questions and helped special guests get a special up close view of the Mustang.
The Mustang performed in the show throughout the week in various programs. The CAF Red Tail Pilots, Doug Rozendaal, Brad Lang and Bill Shepard all shared in the flying. The crowd really enjoyed seeing the Mustang start up, taxi out, perform and then taxi back in position. This picture of the Mustangs taxing out is courtesy of Adam White of Hemlock Films.
Volunteers include: John Beyl, Steve Kaminsen, LaVone Kay, Ethan Malavolti, Mark Erickson, Lindsey Coupe, Adam Glowaski, Kristi Glowaski, Todd Kyle, Lara Kyle, and Elena DePree.
Educational Outreach Visits: Students were invited to see the RISE ABOVE movie throughout the entire week. Lori Bradner from the Central Florida Aerospace Academy in Lakeland, Florida brought these students by the exhibit. The group enjoyed their movie and they were excited to meet our Squadron Leader, Brad Lang. A total of 425 children enjoyed the RISE ABOVE Experience during this week.
To see photos of this event and others please visit our Facebook album!
© Commemorative Air Force 2013
