Rockford AirFest 2011 seeks Heroes to honor

– Nominate military, veterans and community members for recognition

Staff Report

Rockford AirFest 2011 will honor area Heroes to be recognized before and during this year’s show, and community members are asked to nominate people for the program.

A Hero can be a member of the U.S. military or a veteran, or could be a teacher, firefighter, police officer or other community servant. To qualify, the person should be from the region and have contributed to the defense of the country or extraordinary betterment of the community. Selected Heroes will get free admission to Rockford AirFest 2011, including a special Honoring Heroes chalet. Several Heroes will be chosen to be featured online at FlyRFD.com/Airfest.

To nominate someone, fill out the form at FlyRFD.com/Airfest. A list of locations to find paper copies of the nomination form will be provided.

Rockford AirFest 2011 is June 4 and 5 at Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD). The theme is “Honoring Heroes” because the show is part of the yearlong celebration of the Centennial of Naval Aviation. Rockford AirFest 2011 is scheduled to feature 15 military and civilian performers—headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels—as well as approximately 50 static aircraft on display. The show will feature a special performance by the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon and highlight U.S. military aircraft painted in historic colors to honor past conflicts.

“While a big draw for the show is the impressive aircraft in the air and on the ground, we also want to focus on the men and women who have served this country,” said Darrin Golden, Greater Rockford Airport Authority commissioner and a former U.S. Naval Aircrewman. “This is particularly important when our military is defending our country in many places overseas. We’re so proud of those who have given to our country and our community, and Rockford AirFest 2011 is about them!”

Already, community members have nominated nearly 20 Heroes, but there’s room for more. Nominate your Hero today at FlyRFD.com/Airfest.

As in past years, all current members of the military and veterans get into AirFest for free, even if they are not nominated as Heroes. To get your free admission, visit the box office on the day of the show and present a copy of your military ID or your DD214 discharge orders and a photo ID.

“The community always steps up to support Rockford AirFest and RFD, and now is stepping up to support our many Heroes,” said Bharat Puri, acting chairman of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority board of commissioners. “When you see our nominated Heroes—and any member of the military or veteran—at AirFest, please give them a personal thank you for their service!”

From the May 18-24, 2011 issue