For the first time in Ellington Field’s (EFD) 90-plus-year history, the airport is inviting the public to its first annual “Ellington Field Salutes Our Veterans” community celebration on Saturday, April 12, 2008.

The fundraiser event will benefit the local nonprofit organization Helping a Hero, which supports severely injured military personnel and their families.

“Ellington Field has been a proud beacon for our armed forces during the 90 years it has been in existence,” says Brian Rinehart, airport manager for Ellington Field. “We need to remember the history made here and the men and women who helped make it, our veterans, and this is a chance for all of us to say thank you.”

The effort of this first annual event is to give back to the armed forces veterans who have helped support the airport in years past.

The full day of fun will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last until 3:00 p.m. with plenty of activities and sites to see at the historic airport.

Tickets are $10.00 for adults and only $5.00 for children, which include food, drinks and the opportunity to get a first hand look at a wide array of aircraft.

A silent auction and multiple drawings will also be available that will give participants a chance to win gifts such as a war bird plane ride, Wings Over Houston VIP tickets and much more. The planned family event is part of the Houston Airport System’s (HAS) Combined Municipal Campaign (CMC), which urges city employees to volunteer, participate and donate to various charities.

“The Combined Municipal Campaign is the means by which City of Houston employees contribute funds to various charities through payroll deductions and planned events at the different locations at the Houston Airport System,” says Lenore Herman, Houston Airport System CMC coordinator. “This is a great time for everyone, not just employees to help give back to our heroes that have helped to keep our country safe.”