April 4, 2008
An army of volunteers and an assortment of military aircraft will stand-up at Ellington Field on Saturday, April 12, 2008, for the “Ellington Field Salutes Our Veterans,” first annual fundraiser event. This full day event will run from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and will benefit the Helping A Hero foundation, a local non-profit, nonprofit organization that 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 public is welcome and encouraged to support the salute to veterans which will include food, music, a silent auction, gift drawings and the opportunity to get a first hand look at a wide array of aircraft. The cost for adults is $10.00 and $5.00 for children.
Ellington Field was born in 1917 when the United States Army Air Corp purchased 1,280 acres of land in southeast Houston for a military base. Today it houses the likes of NASA, the Texas Air National Guard, the United States Coast Guard and the Texas Army National Guard, among many others.
The smallest of the Houston Airport System’s three airports, Ellington Field is also one of the country’s most valuable homeland security assets. Fighter jets and other military aircraft that patrol the nation call the airport home – and soon even the unmanned Predator will land at Ellington Field.
The family friendly event is part of the Houston Airport System’s Combined Municipal Campaign which urges city employees to volunteer, participate and donate to various charities.
To purchase tickets in advance please contact Nancy Miller at 713-847-4201 or for more information please check our website at www.fly2houston.com
# # #
The Houston Airport System served a record 52 million passengers in 2007. It is the 4th-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th-largest in the world. Bush Intercontinental is the nation's 8th-busiest airport. According to J.D. Powers & Associates, William P. Hobby Airport is first in customer satisfaction among smaller airports in the United States. HAS annually contributes over $24 billion in positive economic impact to the Greater Houston region. For more information watch Houston Airports Today every Saturday at 9:00 am on KTBU Channel 55 or visit www.fly2houston.com. | 
