D-Day Squadron Participating in EAA AirVenture

PRESS RELEASE – The D-Day Squadron, having successfully crossed the Atlantic with 15 C-47 and DC-3 aircraft, completing multiple paratrooper drops and a presidential flyover while participating in events including the 75^th anniversary of the Normandy landings, the 70^th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, and commemorations in Connecticut, Maine, Scotland, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy, announced that 10 Squadron aircraft will travel to Oshkosh Wisconsin to participate in the largest annual airshow in the United States: The Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVenture.

On Thursday, July 25th at 10:30am, The D-Day Squadron will host a press conference at EAA Press Headquarters to discuss the journey and its accomplishments, including:

• 15 airplanes returning to Normandy, and various European commemorations
• 6 D-Day veterans personally honored
• 150,000 total miles flown by Squadron aircraft
• 1,050 total flight hours by Squadron aircraft
• 1,776 miles flown over water by Squadron aircraft
• 7 weeks on the road for crews across 8 countries
• 11 flight information regions covered by Squadron aircraft
• 5,000 lbs of Jelly Belly parachutes dropped during the 70^th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift
• 75 pilots participated
• 1 presidential fly over on the 75^th anniversary of D-Day
• 1 route completed over Manhattan and around the Statue of Liberty
• 3 million people reached on Social Media
• Events covered by 195 individual accredited media
• 45 partners and major donors that helped to make every accomplishment a reality

“’Mission Accomplished” may seem like an overused phrase, but I’m not sure what else you can say,” declared Moreno Aguiari, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the D-Day Squadron. “There was no one person responsible for this effort. An incredible number of people came together to fly 75-year-old aircraft to some of the most remote locations on the planet, then attended weeks of celebrations honoring the Greatest Generation and their incredible achievements. Then, they made the journey a second time to return home. But it also goes far beyond the pilots and crews, as that only scratches the surface of the logistical support that each aircraft received during every leg of the journey.”

“We could never have accomplished this without the support of our partners and donors,” concurred Lyndse Costabile, Corporate and Donor Relations,

for the D-Day Squadron. “Discounted fuel, ground handling, FBO fees, flight gear, event sponsorship, marketing support; the efforts contributed by these organization was as fitting as the tribute they helped to produce. They came together in a plethora of ways with the same mindset and unified purpose like so many did 75 years ago.”

To gain a greater understanding on how such a monumental project unfolded, and ultimately succeeded in its mission, the D-Day Squadron is proud to announce that a documentary film will be released that covers the events and journey that started in May of 2019 and will continue even through EAA’s AirVenture. Look for more information to be released about the upcoming film during the press conference on July 25, 2019. And be sure to keep up with the latest news and events as the D-Day Squadron journey continues.

About the D-Day Squadron

The D-Day Squadron is the part of the Tunison Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. In June 2019, the D-Day Squadron led an American fleet of 15 historic, restored C-47 World War II military aircraft to take part in a flyover of more than 30 international aircraft to drop over 200 paratroopers over the original 1944 drop zones in Normandy commemorating the 75^th anniversary of D-Day. The event honored the citizen soldiers of the War, whose bravery led the Allies to the liberation of France, and then to an end of the devastating War in Europe. The Squadron’s education program takes the compelling story of the citizen soldier to audiences at airshows and events off the flight line to honor these brave Americans and ensure their memory and significance is appreciated for generations to come. The group’s efforts are funded through the generous tax-deductible contribution of their supporters. Learn more at DDaySquadron.org.

Moreno Aguiari

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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