Friday, September 18, 2009

Herb Kelleher to Present at National Aviation Heritage Invitational

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AIR RACES’ PERSON OF THE YEAR -

HERB KELLEHER

TO PRESENT TROPHY AT NATIONAL AVIATION HERITAGE INVITATIONAL

Sunday, September 20, 2009 -- 10:00 A.M

Stead Airport, Reno, NV- Herb Kelleher co-founder of Southwest Airlines a 2009 National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinee and National Championship Air Races’ ‘Person of the Year’ will be among four other aviation legends to present awards for restored classic, antique and military aircraft at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Joining Mr. Kelleher will be famed aerobatic performer Patty Wagstaff; decorated fighter pilot, Bud Anderson; aviation pioneer, Dick Rutan, and WWII hero and air race icon, R.A. “Bob” Hoover.

The award ceremony begins at 10:30 Sunday, September 20 at the NAHI static display area –east of the grandstand - next to the military static aircraft.

Kelleher is famous for his innovation and passion in the aviation industry. Kelleher and business partner Rollin King launched Southwest Airlines 38 years ago. Since then, the ‘LUV’ airline has brought its own special brand of customer service and a fun-loving attitude to its passengers-mainly due to Kelleher’s energy, good nature and support of many community causes.

“We are honored to have such a spectacular group of aviation pioneers and legends to be part of our ceremonies in our 11th year here at Reno,” said Ken Perich, Executive Director of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational.

The National Aviation Heritage Invitational is also very proud and honored to have former Astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Captain USN (retired) Robert "Hoot" Gibson as its official Ambassador. Gibson is well known in at the Reno Air Races as an Unlimited class and Jet class pilot. Gibson a decorated Naval aviator and test pilot has flown more than 110 types of aircraft.

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