RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at the Palm Springs Air Museum

Palm Springs, CA:  Feb. 11, 2014  - The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron will welcome visitors at its RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit at the Palm Springs Air Museum on February 14-15, 2014.  The RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit is a truly unique opportunity for the young and the young-at-heart to not only learn, but experience the inspiring story of the Tuskegee Airmen while being immersed in a theatrical experience.  Standard admission to the Air Museum will apply; however there is no charge for the exhibit. The museum has generously reduced their admission fee to honor youth 17 and under, who get in free with paying adult.

During the original movie aptly named, "RISE ABOVE," audience members will be transported into what it was like to be a black airman during WWII and the obstacles faced by America’s first black military pilots and their support personnel, known today as the Tuskegee Airmen, as they worked toward their goal of becoming U.S. Army Air Corps pilots in the early 1940s.  At the conclusion of the film, audiences experience the excitement and thrill of flying the world’s greatest fighter aircraft, the P-51 Mustang, in formation, aerobatics, a break and a few low passes.  Filmed with a 180-degree lens along with the state-of-the-art theater design, the movie experience gives attendees the feeling that you are actually flying in the airplane.

“The exhibit is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure similar to something you would experience at Disneyland,” said Brad Lang, CAF Red Tail Squadron Leader. “The overall message is about rising above to reach your potential no matter your circumstances; the film uses the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and the story of the CAF Red Tail Squadron to inspire young people to achieve their potential, but the message resonates with all ages because of the unique and interactive way it is told.  This is an experience you won’t want to miss.”

The exhibit is a mobile ‘big’ screen theater with a customized 53' trailer with expandable sides that houses a 160-degree panoramic curved movie screen and seating for 35 in climate-controlled comfort.  It showcases a short original movie, "RISE ABOVE," focusing on what the Tuskegee Airmen had to overcome to be allowed to fly and fight for their country during World War II. This experience highlights how to set a goal and succeed even when all odds are against you; just like the original Tuskegee Airmen achieved.

For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call  (432) 563-1000.  For additional information about the CAF Red Tail Squadron, visit www.redtail.org or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

This exhibit is an excellent addition to the Tuskegee Airmen mural inside the European Hangar. Also on display below the original Tuskegee Mural by aviation artist Stan Stokes, is the Red Tail signed by 10 original Tuskegee Airmen two years ago.  RIBBON CUTTING Sat Feb 15 at 1 PM; Also on view inside the hangar BOTH DAYS will be the aircraft flown by the Tuskegee Airmen: the P-40, Piper Cub, Stearman, P-47, B-25 and a P-51.  (Due to the Presidential visit to Sunnylands this weekend, there will be no flight exhibitions).  The P-40 cockpit will be open, and there will be photo opportunities to sit inside the cockpit – details to be announced.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is located at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, www.PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org  760-778-6262.  General admission price ranges from $8-$15 dollars. Children under 6 and all active military & their families with ID are free. There are Senior & AAA discounts. The Palm Springs Air Museum is an educational non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve, educate and honor our veterans. Over 28 flyable planes and interactive exhibits are housed in 65,000 square feet of climate-controlled hangars.  There is also an educational center with flight simulators upstairs in the 8,700 volume library and the new Berger Youth Exploration Center in the B-17 Hangar.