GARY SINISE AND ‘LT. DAN BAND’ RETURNING TO EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH IN 2011
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will return
to EAA AirVenture in 2011 as the finale act in a daylong salute to veterans on July
29. Performing for the third time at EAA AirVenture since 2008, the popular band
will be hosted by EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans at EAA’s
Theater in the Woods.
Sinise, best known for his role as Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor in the classic
film “Forrest Gump”, and as star of the hit TV series CSI: New York, plays bass
in The Lt. Dan Band and is a well-known supporter of veterans as well as active-duty
military.
The concert will be the highlight of a veteran-focused day that will take place
on Friday July 29 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2011. Further details regarding other
events during the day will be announced as they are finalized.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band to EAA Oshkosh,”
said Rod Hightower, EAA AirVenture President. “The band is tremendously popular
with EAA attendees and the concert is fitting finale to a day of events that will
honor American veterans at AirVenture 2011.”
The Lt. Dan Band covers everything from Bruce Springsteen to Linkin Park, Aretha
Franklin to Jimi Hendrix. Following the band’s first hit concert in front of thousands
at Theater in the Woods 2008, EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans
teamed up to sponsor the band’s return in 2010 and 2011.
“Gary Sinise is a longtime advocate for Disabled American Veterans and continues
to shine the light on our mission to build better lives for America’s disabled veterans,”
said Wallace E. Tyson, DAV National Commander. “As a patriotic and family friendly
venue, EAA AirVenture is an ideal setting to feature the Lt. Dan Band.”
The 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans, a non-profit organization founded
in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932, represents this nation’s disabled
veterans. It is dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for our nation’s
disabled veterans and their families.
EAA Warbirds of America is a non-profit organization and division of EAA that is
dedicated to the preservation of former military aircraft, better known as “warbirds.”
Since 1964, EAA Warbirds of America has worked to “Keep ’em Flying.”
EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH is The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA’s yearly
membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance
ticket and camping purchase, is available online at
www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on
admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA
(1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org.
The DAV Airshow Outreach Program was developed to increase public awareness of disabled
veterans and to serve veterans in communities across the nation. Using two B-25
medium bombers, the program reminds the public of the sacrifices veterans have made
and continue to make to keep our nation free.
The North American B25 was among the famous twin engine medium bombers used during
World War II. It was the most widely produced American twin engine combat aircraft.
No doubt, part of its heroic stature derives from its namesake, the outspoken Gen.
Billy Mitchell who proved once and for all that bombers could destroy targets, and
that wars would nevermore be decided only on land or sea. The B-25 achieved worldwide
fame on April 18, 1942. Sixteen B-25's, under the command of Lt. Col. James Doolittle,
were launched from the aircraft carrier Hornet in a daring raid on five Japanese
cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Kobe.
The original "Panchito", named after the feisty rooster from Disney's animated musical
The Three Caballeros, was a bomber with the 396th Bomb Squadron, 41st Bomb Group,
7th Air Force, stationed in the Central Pacific. After several attacks on various
Japanese strongholds in Southern Japan as well as Japanese help Eastern China, she
was scheduled for another bombing run to Japan on the day the Japanese surrendered.
B-25J MITCHELL BOMBER
The North American B-25J was among the most famous twin engine medium bombers used
during World War II. "Special Delivery" honors the achievements of Lt. Col. James
Doolittle and his daring raiders who helped turn the tide of the war in the Pacific.
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