PRESS RELEASE
DAYTON, Ohio – June 9, 2022) Warbird Aviation Art today announced a non-exclusive agreement with Bunker 27, a Huntington, Texas-based retail chain, to market its original artworks and product lines.
Bunker 27, founded by Air Force veteran Darren Moore, is a licensed retailer of finely crafted aviation-themed apparel and accessories. Bunker 27 recently opened its first mall location at the Fairfield Commons Mall in Beavercreek, Ohio, near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, one of its seven other locations on military installations. The 2,000-sq-ft mall location is the first to feature Warbird Aviation Art’s framed limited editions featuring replications of authentic WWII nose-art and unit insignia, each hand-painted on aircraft aluminum by owner/ artist Ron Kaplan and signed by a noted military aviator. Additionally, Bunker 27 now carries Warbird Aviation Art’s stoneware coaster sets featuring similar imagery derived from the artist’s original works.
“We are a lifestyle brand with a broad and growing customer base,” said Moore, emphasizing his respect for the military organizations represented in Bunker 27 stores. “Our merchandise commemorates and preserves American military aviation heritage but also fulfills our mission to honor the men and women who keep us free. The Warbird Aviation Art brand dovetails perfectly with that mission and our unique store experience. We look forward to offering more of it in all our locations in the coming months.”
Among the first limited edition pieces on aluminum offered are those signed by the likes of legendary U.S. fighter aces Robin Olds and Bud Anderson, Medal of Honor recipient and B-17 pilot, William Lawley, and top Israeli jet ace, Giora Even. A rare one-of-a-kind piece currently available at the Beavercreek store is an actual Boeing B-29 Superfortress engine cowl flap that was signed by Women Airforce Service Pilot legend, Dora Dougherty Strother, above which Kaplan has painted the WASP’s iconic “Fifinella” emblem. Kaplan provides photos taken at the signing sessions as proof of authenticity for the autographed pieces. Bunker 27 also offers Warbird Aviation Art stoneware coasters, one set of four featuring “Famous B-17 Squadrons of the 8 th Air Force” and the other set four “Famous USMC Corsair Squadrons of WWII.”
“Bunker 27’s themed setting is ideal, and the early response has been outstanding,” Kaplan said of the mall location at Beavercreek. “With the over one hundred signed editions we can offer on aircraft skin, our ever- expanding line of coaster sets and ancillary products, and the ability to fulfill custom commission requests, our agreement with Bunker 27 is an exciting opportunity to reach a much broader audience.” Kaplan shared that Bunker 27 stores are in development for bases and mall sites in Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado and Florida.
In addition to selling its own branded merchandise and those of Warbird Aviation Art, Bunker 27 has license agreements with the likes of Lockheed Martin, the USAF, and US Navy, and is also an authorized dealer for Black Rifle Coffee, Garmont North America footwear, and other veteran-operated businesses. “Warbird Aviation Art is delighted to be among the brands helping Bunker 27 succeed through highlighting our military heritage,” said Kaplan, “especially as we share with our customers a deep appreciation for our nation’s veterans, past and present.”
For more information visit www.WarbirdAviationArt.com and www.Bunker27.com,
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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Graphic Design, Branding and Aviation Art