Nashville, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Rust Records) - Last week, country music star
Aaron Tippin brought along a special guest for his performance at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) benefit in New Orleans, Louisiana. A restored World War II B-25 Mitchell bomber, also known as "Panchito," traveled in the air and water to reach her destination…and it was
Aaron Tippin who helped get her there.
The B-25 bombers are famed for being a major force in bringing hope back to the country during WWII. It was the B-25 that Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle chose to use in a raid against the Japanese after their attack on Pearl Harbor. "Doolittle's Raid" was deemed a success thanks to the sixteen B-25 bombers used in the attack.
Aaron Tippin, also a licensed pilot, helped fly one of the restored B-25s from Oshkosh, Wisconsin to New Orleans. Once there Aaron, equipped with his very own "Working Man's PhD," helped load the plane onto a barge on Lake Pontchartrain. After being loaded, the legendary aircraft was taken to Spanish Plaza and put on display for the DAV benefit show.
"It was a great pleasure to be part of the team that brought 'Panchito' as a gift from the DAV to the city of New Orleans" says Aaron. "Man…it was hot!"
After the aircraft's trip was over, Aaron performed several of his hit songs for the DAV benefit. "Where the Stars and Stripes and The Eagle Flies" was included in the performance, an appropriate song for "Panchito" and her history.
The DAV organization was honored to have Aaron on hand for the voyage. "Aaron is a long time advocate of our service members and veterans and his participation in getting 'Panchito' here is greatly appreciated" said Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant/CEO of DAV. "His music has long evoked patriotism and promoted the American way."
The entire trek was filmed by Sleeping Dog Productions for the DAV. A televised documentary is being planned for later in the year.
Aaron Tippin entered the music scene sixteen years ago with "You've Got To Stand For Something," a solid workingman's anthem that quickly established him as a true spokesman for the American people. Between 1990 and 1997, he had seven hit records and created such memorable singles as "There Ain't Nothin' Wrong With The Radio," "That's As Close As I'll Get To Loving You," and "I Got It Honest." With his success and ability to relate to the people, he traveled to Saudi Arabia with Bob Hope in the early 90s to become the first singer to entertain the troops during the Gulf War.
