We are happy to announce that the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will be on-site at the Virginia Regional Festival of FLIGHT at the end of this month. The Virginia Aviation Council, an all-volunteer non-profit organization working to promote aerospace education, presents the event. The Festival will be held at the Suffolk Executive Airport May 31 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and June 1 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Our participation in this great event will include 2 days exclusively dedicated to educational outreach. All sixth graders in Suffolk will tour the exhibit May 27 and 28.  That’s two full days to educate, inspire and bring the story of the Tuskegee Airmen to hundreds of eager, fresh ears!

Thanks to the generous co-sponsorship of Jani-King and 757 Adventures the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit will be a part of this wonderful event aimed at promoting aerospace education and understanding of recreational aviation.

Ray Batton, president of the Virginia Aviation Council and also owner of Jani-King, lobbied for the CAF Red Tail Squadron’s participation in the event. “This is a way for us to give back to the community,” he said. “We’ve wanted to bring the exhibit here since I took on the role as president of the council 3 years ago. This is the first year we’ve secured the sponsorship for it and we’re so glad to have the exhibit at our event.”

Ray is a pilot himself, flying a Cessna 182 Skylane. Ray secured his private pilots license to be able to travel more easily between his company’s office sites. “I never dreamed I’d be able to fly,” he said. “I feel that a big part of aviation is to share it, which his why I’m especially pleased the EAA Young Eagles will be a part of our event.”

The EAA Young Eagles Program, launched by the EAA based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was developed to welcome young people into the world of aviation trough free flights, education and training for kids ages 8 to 17. The Festival of FLIGHT will offer Young Eagles free flights weather permitting on June 1 from 2:00 p.m. until dusk or when all the Young Eagles have been flown.

Join us in Virginia for this amazing family-oriented event that will educate and inspire young and old alike to RISE ABOVE!