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Air Zoo to offer free airplane rides to veterans

May 1, 2012

Source: Danielle Nicholl
Job Title: Public Relations & Marketing Manager
Phone: 269.350.2811
Email: dnicholl@airzoo.org

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - This summer, veterans who served during World War II and the Korean War will have the chance to take flight, for free!

Beginning June 19, veterans will be able to fly in a Boeing-Stearman N2S-5 Kaydet, courtesy of the Air Zoo and pilot/sponsor Alan Wright. The Kaydet is an open cockpit aircraft that served as the U.S. Navy's primary trainer during World War II.

"This is the Air Zoo's seventh consecutive year to offer free veteran flights," said Bob Ellis, Air Zoo president and CEO. "It is our simple way of saying thank you and giving back to those who have sacrificed so much to serve our country."

Flights will take place on Tuesdays through Aug. 21 (except July 3), weather permitting. They are open to veterans who have not previously participated with the Air Zoo's free veteran flights. Flights will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who are flying must sign a waiver and be able to get in and out of the aircraft on their own. A maximum of five flights per day will be offered.

For more information or to reserve a flight, please call the Air Zoo at 269.350.2815.

The Air Zoo is a nonprofit organization located at 6151 Portage Rd. in Portage, Mich. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and offers a restaurant, gift shop and banquet facilities. General admission is $8 per person. Unlimited rides and attractions may be purchased with a wristband package (Ultimate Ace-$15, Junior Flyer-$12, Co-Pilot-$8), which includes general admission, or tickets can be purchased individually for rides. Children who are 4 years old or younger are free.

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