Benefit Airshow for Alan Henley

NEWS RELEASE


CECIL FIELD AIR SHOW


ALAN HENLEY BENEFIT​



APRIL 24, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In July of 2008 the aviation industry learned of a horrific home accident suffered by one of their own. Alan Henley, while demonstrating a door mounted chin-up bar to his children, fell and suffered a severe spinal injury. The Oshkosh AirVenture was only days away. As the rest of us arrived in Wisconsin and ventured to Aeroshell square all of us were looking for information on Alan’s condition and were struggling with what we individually could do to help a member of our air show family in his time of need.

Wayne Boggs and Bruce Turner had an idea that soon became a concept. They then asked Bobbi Thompson to join them to utilize her expertise in air show organization and production. That idea became an amazing venture and a historic and memorable event. As we all continued to gravitate to Aeroshell square and have ongoing discussions about this air show concept, wondering how we could produce an air show with no money, no airport and no way to pay performers-the idea quickly became a reality.

Before we departed Wisconsin eight performers had committed to not only performing for no fee for the event but also to picking up their own expenses. The management team was in place, also donating all their time and paying their own expenses. By September an airport had been selected to hold an air show in honor of this long time contributor to our industry and to raise funds to help Alan, his wife Jen, and their children Skylar and Brandon with the economic challenges they would face in the in the future.

Bobbi Thompson became the event director, Bruce Turner assumed the task of sponsorship chairman, Wayne Boggs volunteered to be the air boss and Brian Lorenz agreed to be the ramp boss. The Jacksonville Aviation Authority and the management Cecil Field Airport really stepped forward. helping with marketing materials and getting the news to the community and so many more tasks. Kelly Peddycoart of the Cecil Field staff, took the lead for the airport, and she was spectacular. The dates were set for April 18 and 19, 2009.

By the time we all got to ICAS the show had 35 air show acts. Bobbi and Bruce continued to attend multiple planning meetings in Jacksonville, Bruce did the drive from Spruce Creek and Bobbi’s travels were aided by Gene McNeely in his RV8. In February we added the F 15 Strike Eagle and a F 18 Hornet, plus Legacy and Heritage Flights. As Wayne developed the schedule –through air boss magic-- he said, “I think I can fly everyone each day”, and a 372 minute flight schedule was the result.

We worried… would anyone attend, could the bills be paid, after all there was no marketing funds-actually no money for anything. Bruce continued to work diligently and funds started coming in. Imagine the challenge of going to a city where you know no one and soliciting funds in today’s economy. However, we continued to see there was something very special about this event.

Then it was show week. Set up started, thanks again to the folks at Cecil Field, the performers and 48 static aircraft began to arrive and on Thursday afternoon a very special formation was seen. Making a right to left pass was the Cavanaugh C47 in formation with the Aeroshell Team. Alan and his family were on the C47, so we all agreed Alan was back leading the Team for their show arrival. SMOKE ON!

By Saturday evening we knew things were going better than we could have hoped. The total crowd was about 15,000 and the show was amazing. Sunday’s crowd continued to do well, with a total weekend crowd of about 28,000. Monday we started paying the rest of the bills.

We are now ready to report that because of all the support and the variety of activities associated with this show and the amazing and generous support of so many performers we will be forwarding to the Alan Henley Foundation funds in excess of



______$110,000.00__________


Thanks to the following:

Jacksonville Aviation Authority
Cecil Field Airport
Bobbi Thompson, Event Director
Bruce Turner, Sponsorship Chairman
Wayne Boggs, Air Boss
Brian Lorenz, Ramp Boss
Doug Turner, Static Ramp Boss
George Cline, Air Boss
Rob Rieder, Announcer
Danny Clisham, Announcer
Hugh Oldman, Sound and Announcer
Sandy Schaefer, Gate Management
Richard “Dogman” Schaefer
NATA T6 Group
Mike McCabe, Show Tower
Brain & Devan Norris, Performer Quilt

All the performers, in order of appearance:

E-Team SkyDivers
Larry King
Jeff Michael
Red Thunder
Greg Koontz
Gary Ward
Iron Eagles
Chuck Vincent
Jim Peitz
Dave Marco
Manferd Radius
Corkey Fornof
F 15 Stike Eagle
Heritage with Dale Snodgrass & Lee Lauderback
Gary Rower
Jim Maroney
Greg Poe
Herb Baker
Pat Epps
Red Eagles
Julie Clark
Fred Cabanas
John Black, F 15 Formation FL ANG
Third Strike Wing Walk
Jimmy Fordham
Steve & Susan Oliver
The Alabama Boys
F 18 Hornet
Legacy Flight with Dan McCue
Aerostars
John Mohr
Patty Wagstaff
The Aeroshell Team
 
Wow, that's GREAT! And it sounds like he's making real progress, too.:yes:
 
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