Exciting Air Force Exhibit Coming to Tri-Cities Airport
Get ready, aviation fans! An inspiring event is on its way to the Tri-Cities Airport. From September 25-29, you can attend “Soar Tri-Cities: LEADing to New Heights”, featuring the incredible Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Rise Above Tuskegee Airmen exhibit. Sponsored by Langston Education and Arts Development, Inc. (LEAD), this event is going to be free and open to the public.
**Event Details**
The exhibit will be housed at Tri-City Aviation and will be open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. For those planning a weekend trip, visit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
**What’s on Exhibit?**
The CAF Rise Above exhibit is not just any ordinary display. It’s an immersive experience that takes you back in time to learn about the heroic Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who broke barriers during World War II. Visitors will step into a fully functional mobile movie theater inside a climate-controlled 53-foot semi-trailer. The theater comes with expandable sides, a ramp, and a hydraulic lift to make it accessible for all.
Once inside, you’ll be greeted with a dynamic 160-degree panoramic screen that helps create the feeling of flying high in a WWII-era aircraft. Through original short films, you’ll get a vivid account of the challenges and victories of these brave groups. The exhibit offers timeless lessons in perseverance, courage, and determination.
**Historic Displays**
Adding to the excitement, there will also be a fully restored WWII-era P-51C Mustang on display. This iconic aircraft serves as a tangible reminder of the skill and bravery those pioneering aviators exhibited.
**Community and Educational Focus**
LEAD’s mission is not just to educate but also to foster a sense of community. LEAD Chairmen Nate Tadesse expressed excitement about the exhibit, stating that this event allows LEAD to give back to the community while sharing the important stories of the Tuskegee Airmen and WASP.
Trevor Rice, the marketing and air service development manager at Tri-Cities Airport, has also shared his enthusiasm. “We are thrilled to partner with LEAD to bring the CAF Rise Above exhibit to the Tri-Cities. This event offers a unique opportunity to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and inspire our community with their story of resilience and courage,” he said.
**Interactive Features**
If you love hands-on experiences, you’re in luck. Attendees will have the chance to check out Northeast State Community College’s Aviation Technology program. They will have a helicopter on display, and you can even try out their flight simulators. This interactive element complements the historical aspects of the exhibit, giving attendees a fuller, more immersive understanding of aviation.
**Field Trips and Educational Opportunities**
Local schools have already planned field trips to the event, making it a fantastic educational opportunity for students. These trips aim to inspire the next generation with stories of courage and a deep love for aviation. Through this immersive and interactive experience, students will learn about the pivotal role the Tuskegee Airmen played in history.
**Don’t Miss Out**
Mark your calendars and make sure to visit the Tri-Cities Airport between September 25-29 to take part in this unique and inspiring event. The CAF Rise Above exhibit is truly a rare chance to witness history come to life, offering lessons that resonate far beyond the confines of the mobile theater.
In a world where it’s easy to forget the stories of those who paved the way for future generations, this exhibit serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, courage, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Grab the family or go solo, but however you choose to attend, don’t miss the chance to learn and be inspired by some of the most courageous figures in aviation history.
