Commemorative Air Force Expands CAF RISE ABOVE National Education Program
Traveling exhibit to include story of Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) to inspire and educate youth
DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 12, 2020 – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) today announced the expansion of its national educational outreach program, CAF RISE ABOVE, to tell the inspirational and courageous stories of the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP). The CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP educational program will debut March 24-26 at the Riverside Convention Center and be available March 28-29 at the March Field Air & Space Expo in Riverside, CA. From there, the exhibit will travel to 18 additional airshows across the country. The program’s goal is to inspire youth to achieve their dreams by introducing them to the compelling stories of World War II (WWII) aviation.
CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP is anchored by a dynamic documentary film created by Emmy® award-winning filmmakers and aviation cinema specialists Adam White and Kara White. The film tells the story of the first female military aviators who, despite facing countless challenges, were able to triumph over adversity. The exhibit, which features a 53’ semi-trailer equipped with a 160-degree panoramic screen, offers audiences an immersive viewing experience. Combining historical footage, interviews with surviving WASP members, and incredible flying scenes shot with CAF’s unparalleled WWII aircraft, the film provides a tangible example of courage in the face of adversity that young people can map onto their own lives—providing a pathway to achieve their own dreams.
“The CAF RISE ABOVE exhibit is a cornerstone of our education program and serves to honor, educate and inspire a new generation through the excitement and rich history of flight,” said CAF’s Chairman of the Board Doug Rozendaal. “Airplanes have a story to tell, and we are excited to expand our exhibit to tell the heroic stories of the WASPs and their influence on aviation history, and hope that they serve to embolden future aviators for years to come.”
The CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP exhibit expands the CAF RISE ABOVE: Red Tail program, which debuted in 2011. The Red Tail program is dedicated to sharing the history and lessons of the Tuskegee Airmen, our country’s first African American military pilots and support personnel. The RISE ABOVE educational exhibit has traveled to 47 states and Canada, welcoming more than 275,000 people to experience the stories of perseverance and dedication of the Tuskegee Airmen, and motivating young people to also rise above obstacles and achieve their dreams.
“These programs share important lessons of trials, tribulations and overcoming the most severe forms of adversity, and they continue to be relevant to today’s diverse and engaging audience,” said Rozendaal. “Building on the success of CAF RISE ABOVE: Red Tail, we are honored to expand this exhibit to tell the stories of the courageous WASPs who overcame their own unique adversities to play a vital role in World War II.”
The travelling education program will show the original film RISE ABOVE, and will also feature the newly completed movie RISE ABOVE: WASP in the exhibit during the 2020 airshow season. To learn more about CAF RISE ABOVE and the 2020 airshow season, please see the below calendar of events or visit www.cafriseabove.org.
About CAF RISE ABOVE The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) RISE ABOVE Program is a national education outreach program that is dedicated to sharing with young people, the stories of the WWII aviation. The program’s goal is to inspire young people to achieve their dreams by introducing them to inspirational stories from the past. Since 2011, the CAF RISE ABOVE exhibit has traveled to 47 states and Canada, reaching more than 275,000 people with its inspiring message to “Aim High, Believe in Yourself, Use Your Brain, Never Quit, Be Ready to Go and Expect to Win.”
About the Commemorative Air Force The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has been collecting, restoring and flying World War II aircraft for more than 50 years. A non-profit educational organization, the CAF is now the world’s largest flying museum with more than 12,000 members and a fleet of 165 airplanes. Nearly all the aircraft are kept in flying condition enabling people to experience first-hand the sight and sound of vintage military aircraft in flight. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition, education and remembrance. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.
