Wounded Vietnam Veteran Soars in D.C. Flyover Honoring Nation's Heroes

WASHINGTON - Oct. 4, 2015 - PRLog -- On Friday, October 9th, 2015 approximately seventeen World War II aircraft will soar in formation over the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. Wounded Vietnam Veteran and 2014 DAV National Commander, Ron Hope will join Culpeper Air Fest pilots in order to draw some much needed attention to veteran's needs.

Ron Hope served in the Army as a member of the 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion of the 1st Air Cavalry beginning in January 1968. On July 15th, 1969, Mr. Hope's helicopter was shot down during a combat assault. One of the many injuries Hope received resulted in the amputation of his left arm at the shoulder.  He medically retired as a result of his wounds in April of 1970.  Among his military decoration, Mr. Hope received the Purple Heart, multiple Air Medals, Army Aviation Badge and Vietnam Service and Campaign medals.

"We are eternally grateful to America's veterans and want to take this opportunity to not only thank these unsung heroes, but to show the active duty personnel that are coming out today and the American public that there are organizations such as DAV (Disabled American Veterans) out there that help veterans and that you can be a part of them,"

The Potomac Flight over Washington, D.C. and Virginia will feature approximately sixteen T-6 "Texan" trainers and one B-25 Mitchell Bomber.  The aircraft will depart from Culpeper Regional Airport in Virginia at approximately 11:30 AM on Friday, October 9th.  The route of flight will take this formation near Manassas, Woodbridge, VA, Clinton, MD, Oxon Hill, Andrews Air Force Base, and then over the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. The formation will then begin its return to Culpeper as it flies over Arlington, Annandale, Burke, and Manassas. This flight has been carefully coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and the local airport authorities. This large formation will be easily seen and heard by observers on the ground.

"It is imperative that we preserve history and that we honor the people that were involved in creating that history. This flyover, in the heart of this great country does exactly that. I just hope that some of the men and women watching will see me and see that just because I was injured fighting for our country doesn't mean my life is over.... If anything my life started just after that!  A World War II Veteran got me involved with DAV and with the help of DAV I've learned what I was really capable of. I know I can never fully repay him for giving me my life back, but I can reach out to as many veterans as possible to show them what they too are capable of," expressed Ron Hope.

About Culpeper Air Fest

The Culpeper Air Fest is funded by the Culpeper Air Fest Foundation - a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization chartered to promote aviation education, awareness and support in Culpeper. It is our goal to help you celebrate with us a great aviation heritage and experience. The show is locally produced, free to the public and draws top performers from around the nation.

About DAV

The 1.3 million-member Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit organization founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents this nation’s disabled veterans. It is dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families. More information about DAV can be found at www.DAV.org.

http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers/videos/rons...