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    In The News

    The Wings of Freedom Tour 2008

    The Collings Foundation s Wings of Freedom Tour of the WWII Vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24 Liberator, North American B-25 Mitchell, and the TX TP -51C Betty Jane Announce their Unique Display in Chicago at Chicago Executive Airport from July 18 to July 21.

    WHAT: Participating in the Collings Foundation's WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine" WWII Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft" WWII Heavy Bomber, the North American B-25 Mitchell WWII Medium Bomber, and the TX TP-51C Betty Jane will fly into Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL for a visit from July 18 to July 21. Local citizens will have the opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out - $12 donation for adults and $6 donation for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. WWII Veterans get into the ground tours at no charge. Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $425 per person. Flights on the B-25 are $400 for the front fuselage and $325 for the waist gun section of the plane. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 978.562.9182.

    WHERE: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will be on display at Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling, IL located at the Main Ramp at SE end of Field.

    WHEN: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at Chicago Executive Airport at 2:00 PM on July18 and will be on display at Main Ramp at Chicago Executive Airport until the aircraft departs July 21 at 12:00 PM. Hours of ground tours and display are: 2:00 PM through 5:00 PM on Friday, July 18; 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM on Saturday, July 19; 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 20; 10:00 AM through 12:00 PM on Monday, July 21. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.

    WHO: B-25 display at locations everywhere. The WINGS OF FREEDOM tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.

    WHY: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR travels the nation a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve. The B-17, B-24 & B-25 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of sub-zero temperatures, many B-17s, B-24s, and B-25s safely brought their crews home. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in post-war prosperity and therefore very few were spared. The rarity of the B-17, B-24 & B-25 and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide. At each location we encourage local veterans and their families to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public. For aviation enthusiasts, the tour provides opportunity for the museum to come to the visitor and not the other way around! Visitors can find out more by visiting our website at www.collingsfoundation.org.

    For further information e-mail Hunter Chaney, Director of Marketing: hchaney@collingsfoundation.org