Warbirds fly at Wings Over Wayne 2009

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kristen D. Duncan
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. --  Even as aircrews from the U.S. Army Air Corps grow older, their legacy of valor will continue to fly for years thanks to members of the Disabled American Veterans. 

The DAV joins Wings Over Wayne Air Show and Seymour Johnson AFB Open House, April 25 to 26, to promote their message of service and volunteerism in support of our nation's veterans. 

"We're keeping the memories alive of the pilots that flew them," said Lynn May, event coordinator for the DAV Flight Team. The team flies three B-25J Mitchell Bombers to highlight their organization, which represents more than 1.2 million disabled veterans. 

To promote the air show, today media had the opportunity to fly in a fully restored medium sized-bomber, "Panchito," which will fly 11 of 25 air shows this year. The B-25J is famous for its harrowing missions commanded by Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle on the attack against Tokyo. 

"We believe the men, women and children who will visit this air show are the patriotic, military-friendly citizens that have helped make this nation so great," said Raymond Dempsey, DAV national commander. 

"The DAV is proud to be among this crowd, and meet those who want to know more about our service to veterans." The glossy B-25J Mitchell Bombers take hours of maintenance and arduous labor to make them show-quality. "Panchito" will fly by the crowd at Wings Over Wayne during the warbirds demonstration Saturday and Sunday, and will be parked on the ramp for viewing. 

Ms. May said the DAV is always looking for volunteers. Volunteers also provide support and even free transportation for sick and disabled veterans to and from VA medical facilities nationwide. 

For more information, visit the DAV Web site at www.dav.org.