The D-Day Squadron, a full squadron of WW2 C-47s (known as the “Gooney Bird” or “Dakota”) that will be returning to Normandy, France for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, announced a new collaboration with Kota Longboards®. Kota, a custom longboard manufacturer, has developed a unique, limited-addition board exclusively for the D-Day Squadron. The manufacturer will donate $50 of each board sold to the squadron in support of their efforts to return to the skies over Normandy to commemorate one of the most seismic historical events of the 20th century.
“Honor, integrity, service and courage form the core of our daily mantra,” explained Mike Maloney, Founder of Kota Longboards. “When we heard about the D-Day Squadron’s attempt to bring living history to the beaches of Normandy to honor those who served, we wanted to do our part to help in any way we could.”
The D-Day Squadron plans to fly 21 restored C-47 and DC-3 (the civilian version of the C-47) aircraft across the North Atlantic to join with its European counterpart, Daks over Normandy. Together, these groups will fill the skies over Normandy on June 5th 2019, and will participate in multiple events on June 2nd-5th at Duxford Airfield in the United Kingdom and from June 5th-9th at Caen-Carpiquet Airport in Normandy, France. These events serve as a testament to the sacrifice of so many 75 years ago and honor the citizen soldiers that fought against tyranny.
“The Greatest Generation is quickly leaving us, and we need to honor them in every way we can,” declared Moreno Aguiari, Executive Director of the D-Day Squadron. “The 75th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion is one of our last, best opportunities to recognize what these airman, soldiers and sailors did while a few of them still remain. But to accomplish this feat requires dedicated logistics, such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, survival equipment and support services to name a few. Kota Longboards generous contribution puts us one step closer to putting C-47s once again in the skies over Normandy.”
Click HERE to purchase the exclusive longboard and support the D-Day Squadron.
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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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