Fantasy of Flight Salutes True Heroes - Welcomes World War II American Fighter Aces, Aviation Legends, and Flying Pioneers At Veterans Day Weekend Roar n' Soar!
Living Legends of Aviation Who Helped Achieve 'Victory in the Sky'
Receive Heroes' Welcome At Thrilling Festival Nov. 7 and 8
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POLK CITY, Fla. (Nov. 2, 2009) – Nearly seven decades ago, young aviators took to the skies to protect America from enemy forces in Europe and Asia. Today, guests at Fantasy of Flight’s Third Annual Roar n’ Soar will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet these heroes up close at Veterans Corner, a new addition to the aviation attraction’s fast-paced signature extravaganza.
Soaring above Germany, Japan, and the Philippines, these daring young pilots were on a mission: defeat the enemy, protect the lives of Americans and their Allies and land safely. There were also fighter pilots from the 332nd Fighter Group of the US Army Air Corps who escorted bombers across Europe. And as the war continued, the novelty of women pilots became a necessity as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). The WASP were called upon to collectively complete 60 million miles of operational flights from aircraft factories to ports of embarkation and military training bases, towing targets for live anti-aircraft artillery practice, simulated strafing missions and transporting cargo.
The service and heroism of military veterans past and present will be celebrated at Roar n’ Soar this Veterans Day Weekend – Nov. 7 and 8 – from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with doors opening at 9 a.m. As a special tribute to their service, Fantasy of Flight is offering special weekend event passes for veterans and active military of just $15 with valid ID, which include a free weekend child’s pass (ages 6-15).
"You can’t think of the history of aviation without thinking of the heroism of military pilots," explains Kermit Weeks, Fantasy of Flight's owner and founder. "In just the first half of the 20th century, they went from flying biplanes to prop planes to supersonic jets. They flew relief missions, rescue missions, combat missions and as escorts and transports. They were tangled up in dogfights to keep other pilots alive. There were thousands of pilots constantly patrolling the skies above Europe and Asia to keep the people below them safe. It’s impossible to grasp what we owe these men and women, which is why you have to be here to listen to their fascinating stories. It’s the least we can do to give people a chance to meet these heroes, shake their hands, and just say ‘thank you.’”
In addition to giving guests the honor of witnessing the pride and precision displayed by the Combat Wounded Color Guard, Veterans Corner also includes an impressive display of rare and unique military collectibles. And for children and teens (and any adults) who think aerial combat is only a video game, Roar n’ Soar presents a variety of demonstrations, symposiums and book signings where aviation legends and pioneers will share the spine-chilling stories of their combat experience.
Making special appearances at the family-friendly All-American event are decorated WWII veteran Neal Goss who, at 89, is recognized as a Guinness World Record holder for being the oldest hang glider pilot; American Fighter Aces Perry Dahl, Col. Robert Liles and Col. A.T. House; and Barry Smith, a member of the WASP who left her job as a $25 a week telephone operator to eventually fly AT-6s and BT-13s cross-country to support the war effort.
Sharing daring tales of aerial warfare and taking questions, American Fighter Aces will appear at two symposiums, held once daily during the event. Taking the stage on Saturday are three brave heroes including Col. A. T. House, Col. Robert I. Liles and Perry Dahl. Col. House returns for Sunday’s symposium.
Col. A.T. House is a former Marine who re-enlisted in the Army, trained as a pilot and claimed his first aerial victory in March 1942 in his P-40 he nicknamed "Hiro's Poopy" while flying over the Torres Strait, north of Australia. By March 1943, House had claimed four more victories in New Guinea. After an additional tour in China, he was promoted to Lt. Col. in 1945, went back to serving in the Army, then moved to the Air Force, from which he retired in 1960.
Col. Robert L Liles joined the Army Air Corps in Nov. 1940 and joined the 16th Fighter Squadron of the 51st Fighter Group in May 1942. Flying his P-40 Warhawk he named "Duke" after John Wayne, Liles celebrated five confirmed aerial victories, five "probables" and two damaged Japanese aircraft while serving in World War II. He retired as a Colonel in 1970.
Fans will hear the story of Perry Dahl, who became an Ace between November 1943 - April 1944. After being shot down and taken prisoner, he was freed by Filipino guerillas and returned to battle.
Sharing a love of flying with his fellow aviators is 89-year-old Neal Goss, who will dazzle guests with thrilling hang gliding demonstrations each day at noon, weather permitting. Serving in World War II as an Army Air Corps bombardier and navigator, he flew a remarkable 50 missions in B-17s over Sicily, Italy, France, Austria, and Greece. In the mid-1970s, the 54-year-old took up the new sport of hang gliding, learning how in a handmade 16-foot glider. Since then, he has owned and soared in nearly a dozen different models for recreation and presentations at hang gliding meets around the country and earned the Guinness World Record in 2005 as the oldest hang glider pilot.
"I continue to hang glide because of my love for the sport and my enjoyment of the people involved in the sport,” Goss says. "I'm looking forward to Roar n' Soar and the excitement of the event. I've enjoyed previous visits to Fantasy of Flight, but this will be a special day."
One of the most amazing tales of determination is that of Barry Smith, who was encouraged to learn to fly by her brother, a commissioned pilot. Spending more than half of her weekly pay on flying lessons, Smith would hitchhike to the airfield for lessons and, after soloing, continued to hitch rides to pick up planes and additional training. In time, Smith became one of 1,830 women accepted into the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), becoming a test pilot rated for multi-engines, giving her the challenge of flying everything from open cockpit biplanes left over from World War I to the AT10.
As a further commitment to the dedication and sacrifices of the military, Fantasy of Flight will recognize troops stationed overseas as food vendors Ker’s WingHouse and Cold Stone Creamery donate fifteen percent of their event proceeds to benefit Homefront Hugs USA, a volunteer group that sends care packages to American troops stationed overseas. Volunteers will be on-hand at the event to prepare the packages for shipping. Roar n’ Soar guests can receive a $5 discount by donating any of the selected items (with a limit of one discount per person): bulk package of beef jerky, multi-packs of chewing gum, packages of note cards, packages of protein bars, packages of sanitary wipes, packages of canned fruit or a $20 AT&T prepaid phone card. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. To enlist as a Homefront Hugs care package volunteer, contact Alessanndra Kellerman at (412) 498-3855.
Standard one-day adult tickets to Roar n' Soar are $23 ($38 for two days), and include one free child's ticket, with additional children’s one-day tickets for $12 ($19 for two days). Each ticket includes admission to Fantasy of Flight. For Roar n’ Soar ticket and event information, call (863) 984-3500 or visit www.roar-n-soar.com.