AIRSHO 2009 Reduces Ticket Prices

Midland, TX - In response to the difficult economy, the 2009 Commemorative Air Force (CAF) AIRSHO presented by Western National Bank (WNB)takes a step back in time with ticket pricing at just $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12 (when purchased in advance). The Best Warbird Show in America will hit the skies Oct. 10 -11, 2009 above Midland International Airport between Midland and Odessa, Texas. Tickets are available now at www.airsho.org.

“We are all facing tough economic times where the cost of nearly every item is increasing, but we are working to present the best air show in CAF history at REDUCED ticket prices this year,” said CAF President, Stephan Brown. “With the support of Western National Bank and other sponsors, we want to give families an event that will be exciting and a good memory during this difficult period. In 2009, a family of four will be able to attend for only $40. No where else can you find world-class family entertainment for this price.”

“We are excited to showcase the F-16 Viper West Coast Demo Team and Heritage Flight, as well as a demonstration from the C-17 Globemaster,” said AIRSHO Director, Gena Linebarger. “We hope the crowd will enjoy seeing a fly-over by the B-52 Stratofortress. Also, on static display will be a wide variety of other modern military aircraft ranging from trainers to the B-1 Bomber.” More details will be released soon.

For the first time, the CAF is hosting The Retro USO Show, a Saturday night USO-style show immediately following AIRSHO. The program will feature live entertainment to rival the glamour and excitement of the WWII USO shows that brought a piece of home to the men and women protecting our freedom overseas. Admission to the evening show will be free for those who have purchased AIRSHO tickets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event. The Fighter and Bomber Ramps will also re-open for anyone interested in getting an up-close look at the warbirds.

At AIRSHO 2009, you can expect to see a tribute to the Vietnam veterans better then ever before. The longer segment will showcase an A-26, Skyraider, C-47, period helicopters and other aircraft from the Vietnam and Korean era in aerial reenactments of the battles.

In true CAF style, AIRSHO will also feature recreated historic battles of World War II using the CAF’s collection of rare warbirds. The show will include aerial dogfights, simulated bomb explosions that rock the ground and a recreation of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the world-renowned Tora, Tora, Tora pilots.

For the first time, AIRSHO will also include dramatic ground force reenactments to complement the stories told by the warbirds in flight. This new dimension will give audiences a unique look at the trials of the American military service men and women during our country’s most turbulent times.

The 2009 event will kick-off Fri., Oct. 9 with a private Special Show for Special People and Junior Aces Show for select elementary school students. The Commemorative Air Force has invited the fifth grade students of Howard, Midland and Ector counties to participate in this event. The CAF will work with local school officials to create an educational program for the elementary students.

The Save the Girls Luncheon will be held on Friday at the George H.W. and Barbara Bush Commemorative Center at CAF. The American Combat Airman Hall of Fame banquet will be returning to the Midland Center in downtown Midland on Friday evening, Oct. 9th. For more information on these events, please contact Artie Riggs at 432-563-1000 ext. 2270.

On Saturday morning the AIRSHO gates will open to the public early to give attendees plenty of time to view the static aircraft before the flying begins. AIRSHO features over 100 aircraft on display and in the air, ranging from early vintage aircraft to the thundering sounds of today's American military. CAF AIRSHO takes great pride in bringing modern military to the public along with the historic aircraft of the CAF fleet.

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has approximately 9,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

For more information, visit www.airsho.org, www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

Date: Oct. 10 -11, 2009.

Location: Above Midland International Airport between Midland and Odessa, Texas.

Tickets are available now at www.airsho.org.