Western National Bank Signs Up for 5 Years with AIRSHO

Midland, Texas (Jan. 10, 2011) — The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to announce that Western National Bank will return as the exclusive Presenting Sponsor for the next five years of AIRSHO! The Best Warbird Show in America returns to the skies Oct. 8-9, 2011, above Midland International Airport between Midland and Odessa, Texas.

“Western National Bank has again stepped forward to support the Permian Basin by sponsoring one of the most significant events in West Texas – our CAF AIRSHO,” said CAF President/CEO Stephan Brown. “They have recognized that the CAF provides world-class entertainment for families and they are ensuring that we can continue to do so with their strong five-year commitment. Their support also allows us to provide this entertainment at family-friendly prices, while we continue our mission of Honoring American Military Aviation. We are very grateful to Western National Bank.”

With the support of Western National Bank, the CAF is working to create a full educational plan for area students for AIRSHO 2011. The program will include the Junior Aces program that was begun in 2009 when area sixth grade students were invited to participate in the Special Show event on Friday morning of AIRSHO weekend. The new plan also includes classroom lessons that will give educators an opportunity to share different viewpoints of World War II and American Military Aviation.

"We are honored to continue serving as the CAF Airsho Presenting Sponsor," said Jack Wood, president and CEO of Western National Bank. "We take our responsibility seriously as corporate citizens, and it is a privilege to participate in an event that reminds us of the freedoms we enjoy."

AIRSHO features over 100 aircraft on display and in the air, ranging from early vintage aircraft to the thundering sounds of today's American military. CAF AIRSHO takes great pride in bringing modern military to the public along with the historic aircraft of the CAF fleet.

AIRSHO will feature recreated historic battles of World War II using the CAF’s collection of rare classic warbirds. The show will include aerial dogfights, simulated bomb explosions that rock the ground and a recreation of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor with the world-renowned Tora, Tora, Tora pilots.

Western National Bank is headquartered in the Permian Basin, with offices in Odessa, Midland and San Antonio.  With assets of $1 billion, it has been a leading independent community bank for over 30 years and is the largest locally owned bank in this market.

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has approximately 9,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation.

For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.