M E D I A A L E R TCommunity Event - American Heroes Air Show

Austin, Texas

Event date: April 16th 2011 Release date: April 1st, 2011

U.S. Navy Battle Cats Land at American Heroes Air Show.

Buckle up for high-flying excitement when the U.S. Navy HSL-43 Battle Cats arrive from their base in San Diego to team up with the American Heroes Air Show – just one part of the admission-free American Heroes Weekend at the Texas Military Forces’ historic Camp Mabry in the heart of Austin.

Since it’s inception in 1993 near Los Angeles, the American Heroes Air Show has become America’s premier admission–free, helicopter-only aviation event and grown from coast to coast by introducing the public to the unique capabilities and dynamic role of helicopters in our community every day. Austin Event Director Wut Tantaksinanukij, with the Austin PD Aviation Section, invites families get an up-close look at these go-fast, high-tech aircraft and learn how their crews are on the front lines every day of homeland security, national defense and public service.

The HSL-43 Battle Cats will be welcomed for the first time at the Austin American Heroes event as they arrive flying two of their Sikorsky SH-60B “Seahawk” helicopters from NAS North Island in California. Their participation will dynamically underscore the Centennial of United States Naval Aviation being celebrated this year and provide a unique opportunity for the public to see these multi-mission, high-tech aircraft up close while learning about their critical mission of fleet protection, surveillance, medical evacuation and humanitarian / combat Search & Rescue operations directly from the crews.

HSL is the Navy designation for Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light – a clear nod to the unit’s primary mission of protecting U.S. surface ships against submarine attack. Yet the versatility of the aircraft make them the true work horse of the fleet in many ways – Battle Cat crews were recently actively engaged on the ground and

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in the air over Japan engaged in a mission to support earthquake / tsunami relief efforts.

The Battle Cat’s Lt. Shane Moses is the unit’s Public Affairs Officer and made initial inquiries about attending the American Heroes event. Perhaps more than a public relations mission this will also be a trip home for Lt. Moses who was raised in the Round Rock area. For more information on the Battle Cats heritage and mission land at their website: www.hsl43.navy.mil

Event Director Tantaksinanukij’s mission is to bring together a broad section of the community to meet the crews and get an educational view at the role helicopters play in public safety. “Having the Battle Cats join us this year from their base in San Diego brings a new level of excitement to the Heroes event and will provide Austin with an up-close view of how U.S. military helicopters support national defense goals and humanitarian efforts in every corner of the globe.” Tantaksinanukij noted. “It will be our privilege to welcome them to Austin.”

More than just an Air Show In addition to the go-fast, high tech helicopters, the Heroes Air Show once again welcomes the Cost of Freedom Presentation provided by the American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute - displayed with the emotional centerpiece of their presentation – a scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall. The Cost of Freedom Presentation will arrive Thursday after a motorcycle escort from Cowboy Harley-Davidson and will be available to the public on Camp Mabry’s Parade Field through Sunday.

Also on Saturday the “American Anthem” program invites the community to participate in a very special ceremony as serving members of the U.S. military and others stand up before their family and media and recite their Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. Citizens with AVTT’s Vietnam Memorial Wall providing the emotional backdrop.

“ … they’ve always been our heroes, … we invite the community to join us as they become our newest American citizens …”

Wut TantaksinanukijAmerican Heroes Air Show, Volunteer – Executive Producer

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The event also features the popular CODE3 Career Fair which offers the community a rare chance to meet recruiting teams from law enforcement, public safety, government service, volunteer agencies and the military who are on-scene to profile their mission and provide information on hiring, training and the application process.

A long tradition at American Heroes Air Shows around the country, collectible event trading cards are available and free in limited quantities to early bird event arrivals. These popular trading cards feature photos of participating aircraft plus flight performance and mission profiles.

The American Heroes Air Show is proud to be part of the exciting two-day, admission-free American Heroes Celebration at Camp Mabry which features exciting military musters that recreate significant U.S. military engagements throughout history, along with musical entertainment, concessions, exciting demonstrations and public service themed activities for the entire family.

Date: The American Heroes Air Show is Saturday, April 16 2011 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The American Heroes Weekend is both Saturday and Sunday

FREE ADMISSION and PARKING all weekend.

Location: Texas Military Forces – Camp Mabry2200 West 35th Street Austin, Texas 78703

More event details are available on our website:

w w w . h e r o e s - a i r s h o w . c o m-- 30 --

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M e d i a c o n t a c t s f o r f o l l o w u p :

Wut Tantaksinanukij Volunteer – Event ProducerAmerican Heroes Aviation Network

Cell (512) 530-2608Email: Tank@Heroes -a i r show.com

Laura Lopez Texas Military Forces – Camp MabryPublic Affairs Specialist

Ofc (512) 782-5452Email Laura.Lopez8@us.army.mil

Jim Paules Volunteer – USA ProducerAmerican Heroes Aviation Network

Cell (818) 631-8132Email: Jim@Heroes-airshow.com

F i l e a c c e s s : T X 1 1 . 1 T X M e d i a Ba t t l e C a t s L a n d a t M a b r y . d o c

Attached to this email is a high res graphic of the HSL-43 aircraft featuring unique tail art work by California artist Ms. Shayne Meder..

James Paules

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