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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Christopher Spong
June 29, 2011 (612) 839-3306 christopher.spong@gmail.com
90th Anniversary Celebration & Reunion
Minnesota's 109th Aero Squadron is first federally recognized
Air National Guard flying unit in the nation
ST. PAUL, Minn. – On September 26, 1920, three Minnesotans rented a Curtiss Oriole biplane to launch a week-long flight to Washington, D.C. Their mission: To be the first federally recognized National Guard flying squadron. Thanks to pilot Ray Miller and his colleagues, Minnesota achieved this honor in 1921.
To celebrate, the Minnesota Air National Guard Foundation is holding a reunion for all Minnesota Air National Guard (MNANG) veterans that includes public events:
Thursday, July 14th - Commemorative Dinner
What: Key business and civic leaders will join Minnesota Air Guard members and veterans in celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Minnesota’s recognition as the nation’s first federally recognized flying squadron. The public is invited.
Master of Ceremonies: Jason Davis, Host/Executive Producer, KSTP 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS “On the Road with Jason Davis”
Several organizations and individuals will receive the inaugural Brigadier General Ray Miller Spirit of Service Awards - a tribute to those who apply skill, passion and innovation to charting new pathways that have a profound impact on Minnesota's civic and economic well-being. Note: The 109th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron will be honored on its 50th Anniversary.
Astronaut, educator and noted science literacy advocate Dr. George “Pinky” Nelson will challenge us to think about how we must educate and equip ourselves for future innovation and success.
When: Reception 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Dinner 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis International Airport Hotel (34th Avenue/American Boulevard)
General Registration: http://conta.cc/mnangdinner
Veteran/Nonprofit Registration: http://conta.cc/vetregister
Friday, July 15th – Reunion Barbeque
What: All MNANG veterans are invited to a Reunion Barbeque
Where: Fort Snelling Officer’s Club Registration: http://conta.cc/registerbbq
Saturday, July 16th
What: MNANG veterans will have a special place at the Air Expo hosted by the 133rd Airlift Wing, at the 90th Anniversary Reunion Pavilion.
When: 9:00 – 4:00 p.m. Event Details: http://www.133aw.ang.af.mil/
Where: 631 Minuteman Drive, St. Paul, MN 55111 (Fort Snelling Light Rail Station)
Activity News Release - May 16, 2008
Minnesota Air National Guard Museum F-16 Dedication
(ST PAUL, Minn) Friday, May 16, 2008, the 133rd AW and the Minnesota Air Guard Museum will dedicate one of its newest acquisitions.
The ceremony will take place at 10:00 AM at the Museum Airpark on the Minnesota Air National Guard Base at the Minneapolis-St. Paul IAP. The museum will open at 10:20 following the ceremony.
Members from both the 133rd AW and the 148th FW will be present for the dedication.
The F-16 was flown by the 148th FW of the Minnesota Air National Guard located at the Duluth, Minnesota Airport. The airplane was trucked down from Duluth and reassembled by members of the 148th for display in the Airpark.
The Airpark displays 20 plus aircraft flown by the 133rd AW and the 148th AW of the Minnesota Air National Guard.
For further information Contact the 133rd AW Public Affairs or the museum.
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