Dates: October 26-27, 2013
Event: Wings Over Houston Air Show
Location: Ellington Field Airport, Houston, TX
Attendance: Estimated at 50,000
The 29th annual Wings Over Houston Airshow was flying high at the Ellington Airport in Houston, Texas. Thousands came out to support this annual
Commemorative Air Force Air Show. The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit along with the Mustang was prominently displayed in the war bird section of the ramp.
Texas Flying Legends Museum invited three Tuskegee Airmen, Col Charles McGee, Lt Col. George Hardy and Lt Col. Alexander Jefferson. They were guests of honor and attended the functions with the other reunion groups. On Friday they participated in the veteran forum where they talked about their experience in World War II. The guests thoroughly enjoyed their comments and large crowds formed around them. Later that night they were honored guests at the 1940’s Hangar Dance featuring great food and lots of entertainment.
On Saturday and Sunday, the crowds loved meeting the Tuskegee Airmen, as they signed books and shared their stories at the Exhibit. The Tuskegee Airmen were able to distribute the inspirational dog tags throughout the event. Col McGee noticed that a group of boy scouts had been working all day and he thanked each one, as he handed them their dog tag. They were so appreciative – after viewing the RISE ABOVE movie, they came back to thank him for their special gift. We know that made a big difference in their lives.
The movie theater was continuously running with a steady stream of spectators, as air show announcer, Rob Reider made numerous announcements to promote the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit.
The Mustang delighted the crowd as Pilot Doug Rozendaal performed his acro routine during the show on Saturday. Alan Miller flew two special riders after the show each day.
Educational Outreach – The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit visited two schools. Prior to the air show, they visited Windsong Elementary as part of the Friendswood Independent School District. Over 548 students were presented with their inspirational dog tags and the school requested that the Exhibit return next year. After the event, the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit set up at Benjamin O Davis Jr High School as part of the Aldine Independent School District. The entire 9th grade was able to view the RISE ABOVE movie and received their special dog tags.
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