New CAF Living History Program Launches with “Helicopters and Vietnam” in March

PEACHTREE CITY, GA. (MArch 14, 2016) – The critical role of helicopters in the Vietnam War is the subject of the first in a series of Living History programs presented by the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at Wing headquarters in Peachtree City, Ga.

Lt. Col. Cliff Stern, executive director of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation (AAHF), will discuss the helicopter war in Vietnam, the first time the helicopter’s full potential was utilized. Col. Stern is a senior Army aviator with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Albuquerque and a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California. His military honors include two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with 23 oak-leaf clusters and numerous other commendations. His unit was awarded the Valorous Unit award for its participation in Lam Son 719.

Col. Stern and AAHF pilots will discuss the aircraft impact on the war as a whole, and will focus on Lam Son 719, the largest helicopter operation of any war. Participants will have the opportunity to walk around the AAHF’s Cobra and Huey and ask questions of the pilots. The event will be moderated by Col. Brent Bracewell, also a former Army helicopter pilot.

Many different helicopter models fulfilled observation, transport, and attack duties. This presentation will highlight two of the most important choppers of the conflict, the Bell UH-1 Iroquois, better known as Huey, and the Bell AH-1 Cobra. Rides in these helicopters will be available following the presentation. A ride in the Huey is $60, and a ride in the Cobra is $275, which helps cover operating costs and will benefit the non-profit AAHF organization.

The fee to attend this Dixie Wing event is $10. Dixie Wing headquarters and museum are at 1200 Echo Ct., Peachtree City, adjoining Atlanta Regional Airport (Falcon Field). For more information, visit www.dixiewing.org.

The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation

The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation (AAHF) is a non-profit public educational foundation filed under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. The Foundation, based at Tara Field in Hampton, Ga., is dedicated to presenting the Army Aviation story through narrated, patriotic flying presentations and static displays of the actual aircraft and equipment used by the men and women who served in Army Aviation.This is accomplished through the acquisition, restoration, and maintenance of historic flyable aircraft representing Army Aviation (Vietnam to present).

Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing The Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit organization dedicated to flying and restoring World War II aircraft. Based in Midland, Texas, the organization has more than 13,000 members and operates a fleet of more than 162 World War II aircraft. www.commemorativeairforce.org

The Commemorative Air Force was founded to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft that were flown by all military services of the United States, and selected aircraft of other nations, for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans.

More than just a collection of airworthy warplanes from the past, the CAF's fleet of historic aircraft, known as the CAF Ghost Squadron, recreate, remind and reinforce the lessons learned from the defining moments in American military aviation history.

The Dixie Wing was approved as the 83rd CAF unit on Feb.28, 1987, and has since displayed its collection of vintage World War II aircraft in numerous air shows throughout the Southeast. The wing is a non-profit, tax-exempt "flying museum" that depends on contributions of time and funds to carry out its mission.