Commemorative Air Force Welcomes P-51 Mustang and WWII Pilot

Sept. 19, 2008
This weekend's AIRSHO pairs some of World War II’s legendary aircraft and people with today’s most versatile jets in the Air Force Heritage Flight.

The FINA-CAF AIRSHO is scheduled for Sept. 20-21, 2008, at Commemorative Air Force International Headquarters in Midland, Texas. Come see the best Warbird AIRSHO in the country.

Appearing at FINA-CAF AIRSHO 2008 is the P-51 Mustang The Rebel and retired USAF Colonel Joseph H. Joiner of the 336th Fighter Squadron. Already positioned on the Fighter Ramp of AIRSHO, the P-51 is awaiting this weekend’s events. Colonel Joiner will be joining the unique airplane on Saturday, Sept. 20th at 10 a.m.**

P-51 Mustang The Rebel is owned and operated by Commemorative Air Force Colonel, Doug Matthews of Atlanta, Georgia. The P-51D has been painted in the scheme of the Mustang flown by Joseph H. Joiner as a captain in the 336th Fighter Squadron during World War II. The paint scheme is complete with Captain Joiner’s name painted on the side of the plane at the cockpit.

Captain Joiner has been decorated with the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He flew with the 336th Fighter Squadron in the 8th Air Force’s 4th Fighter Group from May 25, 1944 to February 20, 1945. During this time, Captain Joiner had a total of 4.5 Air Victories and 4 ground victories. At 87 years of age, Captain Joiner will be reunited with his aviation history through The Rebel. It will be a truly unique opportunity to see this unique aircraft and the World War II veteran that piloted the original.

AIRSHO pairs some of World War II’s legendary aircraft and people with today’s most versatile jets in the Air Force Heritage Flight.

Discount tickets are available at all 7-Eleven stores. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (888) 945-3008 or (432) 563-1000 or from the Web site at www.airsho.org. Discount tickets for adults on Friday, Saturday or Sunday are available for $20. Discount tickets for children ages 6 to 12 are $8 for Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Children age 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $25 adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12. Gates open at 7:30 a.m.

Collecting, restoring and flying warbirds 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 with a flying museum of classic military aircraft.

A non-profit educational association, the CAF has approximately 9,000 members and a fleet of almost 160 airplanes representing more than 60 different types – including planes from several foreign countries and military conflicts since World War II. For more information, visit www.airsho.org, www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.

**Date and time subject to change without notification.