The CAF Retro USO* Show Takes the Stage at AIRSHO 2009

Midland, Texas (August 25, 2009) — The 2009 Commemorative Air Force (CAF) AIRSHO® presented by Western National Bank (WNB), takes a step back in time and not just with lower ticket prices. At the CAF Retro USO* Show you can laugh with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby impersonators, dance to the beat of the Army Band and listen to the inspiring voices of the Ladies of Liberty.

Your 2009 AIRSHO Saturday ticket gets you something a little extra this year! Join us on Saturday for the first CAF Retro USO* Show in AIRSHO history, the show kicks-off immediately following the afternoon flying on Saturday, October 10, 2009. Enjoy a show with great family-friendly comedy and entertainment in the genre of the original USO shows of World War II.

The CAF will be welcoming the Ladies for Liberty, an inspiring singing troupe dedicated to “performing the Andrew Sisters style of music through their own rendition of vocals, costumes, hairstyles and the spirit of patriotism reminiscent of the 1940s” (from www.ladiesforliberty.net). Don’t miss their morale-boosting renditions as they belt out such memorable hits as Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree and many more! The Ladies for Liberty will begin singing as soon as the warbirds land after AIRSHO.

The CAF will take AIRSHO visitors back in time to the mid-1940s, when patriotism ran high and Americans come together to support the troops as never before. Since World War II, the USO has provided much-needed comfort and support to troops in the field. The CAF’s goal is to capture that spirit and camaraderie and share it with you. It will evoke a spirit of patriotism reminiscent of the 1940s, a period remembered and celebrated as “When America was at its finest.”

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. 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.

The CAF Retro USO Show will be hosted by “Bob & Bing,” a duo well known in the Permian Basin Theater community. Bob Hope and Bing Crosby are portrayed by Aaron Cox and Scott Timms of Midland. There United States Army Band from Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, will be on stage to perform some great music for the crowds to dance to!

On Saturday and Sunday Oct. 10th and 11th, the CAF AIRSHO gates will open to the public at 7 a.m. 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. Tickets are available at Western National Bank and FINA 7-Eleven locations, online at www.AIRSHO.org and at the Commemorative Air Force Headquarters at Midland International Airport.

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.