WWII Aviation History Comes to Life
Saturday, September 12, Wings Over Tulsa lands at the Riverside campus of Tulsa Tech in Jenks.
By: Deanna Rebro | Category: Recreation/Leisure | Issue: September 2009
Jim Gentry and Scotty Edwards enjoy the thrill of flying in a military aircraft.
A bit of military history comes to life on Saturday, September 12, when Wings Over Tulsa lands at the Riverside campus of Tulsa Tech in Jenks.
This is the 8th annual celebration of military aviation presented by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Spirit of Tulsa Squadron. From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., more than 25 airplanes – most of them World War II vintage – will be on hand for an up-close look at planes that many people have only seen in movies.
Some planes are locally owned, while others come from distant places. Each plane has a story to tell. Organization volunteers and aircraft owners will provide the voices to share the role that each powerful machine played some 65 to 70 years ago.
In addition to historical aircraft, classic cars and military jeeps, trucks, and other vehicles will be on display. These include a famous DC-3 N34 from the FAA, and a Vietnam-era military helicopter.
“Wings Over Tulsa is a family event where generations can come together to learn and enjoy the experience," says event committee member Jim Mills. “Emphasis is on getting young people interested in and involved with aviation.” For those ages 13 through 16, Commemorative Air Force has partnered with Tulsa Tech to introduce a new Tulsa/Riverside Aviation Academy, at no cost to cadets. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions from prospective cadets and their parents.
“We try to recreate the mood of World War II,” says Jim Gentry, public relations chairman for the event. Many group members and re-enactors will be dressed in historically correct costumes and uniforms. The sounds of swing, jazz and big band will fill the air with Jimmy Dorsey, the Andrews Sisters, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Harry James and Louie Armstrong. Music will give way to roaring engines during flybys, some in formation, and exciting flyovers that seem barely off the ground.
For those who crave the ultimate excitement, rides in a special vintage aircraft will be available, as seen here.
Proceeds benefit the work of the Spirit of Tulsa Squadron of the CAF. The 75 members of this nonprofit group come from all walks of life – military, civilian, professionals, retirees, students – all bound together by their passion for restoring WWII aircraft and bringing that era’s aviation history to life.
Some projects are relatively simple. Others, like the rare B-24 they maintained, are extremely complex. The CAF was honored to work on one of only two such remaining aircraft. The winter maintenance project for the plane, currently housed in Texas, required 3,000 to 4,000 man hours per year for six years.
Tickets for Wings Over Tulsa can be purchased at the gate. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Those 65 and older and military personnel (with proper ID) pay just $3. The outdoor event is presented in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. Those arriving early can enjoy the added thrill of thundering engines over the airstrip, with the planes gracefully swooping down to their posts for visitors to appreciate for the rest of the day.
Tulsa Tech Riverside campus is adjacent to the R.L. Jones/Riverside Airport at 801 E. 91st St., just west of downtown Jenks. For more information, call (918) 794-4182 or visit www.caftulsa.org.
For more information, contact
Wings Over Tulsa
(918) 794-4182
About Author Deanna Rebro
Deanna Rebro has worked in the publishing industry 30+ years, including eight years writing for Value News. She has also worked in real estate for the past six years. Deanna graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio with a B.A. in Journalism. Outside of work, she serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for Pet Adoption League. “Every story I write is a learning experience,” she said.
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