[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 132 (Wednesday, October 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


RECOGNIZING APPLAUDING AND SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF THE ARMY AVIATION 
                          HERITAGE FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 7, 2002

  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, based in Hampton, Georgia, the Army 
Aviation Heritage Foundation is devoted to promoting the history of 
military aviation. The foundation is an all volunteer non profit 
organization composed of veterans and civilian supporters acting to 
connect the American soldier to the American public through the story 
of Army Aviation. They are not a part of the U.S. Army and receive no 
governmental funding assistance. Their funding comes entirely from 
donations made by private individuals and organizations. These 
volunteers are committed to preserving the aircraft used by our 
military in securing the freedom we so enjoy as a nation.
  The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation volunteers devote a significant 
amount of their personal time, resources, and money to bring the story 
of our country's military and the legacy of our veterans to the 
American people through their ``living history'' programs, displaying 
and flying World War II, Korean, and Vietnam-era planes and 
helicopters. These ``living history'' programs presented at major 
public venues and air shows are designed to honor our country's 
military and its' veterans while inspiring the public and giving them a 
glimpse of military life, service, and devotion to the next generation.
  Since 1997, the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation has devoted more 
than 150,000 volunteer hours and $5.3 million in donated funds, 
aircraft, and equipment in 35 air shows and public presentations to 
more than 5.5 million people.
  The foundation is acting to provide America's veterans a voice with 
which to tell their story and the tools with which to share their 
legacy of service and devotion with the American public.
  The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation has four primary purposes:
  (1) Educate the American public to their military heritage through 
the story of U.S. Army Aviation's soldiers and machines.
  (2) Connect the American soldier to the American public as an active, 
accepted, and admired member of the American family.
  (3) Inspire patriotism and motivate Americans everywhere toward 
service to their community and country by involving them in our 
nation's larger military legacy.
  (4) Preserve authentic examples of Army aircraft and utilize them in 
educational ``living history'' demonstrations and presentations so that 
the symbols of America's military legacy may always remain in our skies 
for future generations.
  House concurrent Resolution 465 recognizes and applauds the Army 
Aviation Heritage Foundation for their efforts to educate, connect, 
inspire, and preserve our proud military heritage for future 
generations.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud the efforts of the Army Aviation Heritage 
Foundation, and their hundreds of volunteers and supporters, and urge 
passage of House Concurrent Resolution 465.

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