CAF Teams Up With Country Music Star

Country music singer Aaron Tippin and the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) have announced they are joining forces to honor American military aviation "and remind Americans of the men and women of the armed services who have sacrificed for our freedoms."

Tippin will officially be the 2010 CAF celebrity spokesman, including special appearances at various CAF events across the country, as well as filming and recording a number of public service announcements. A potential cross-country tour in conjunction with CAF exhibitions is in the works, a spokesman said.

"I am very excited about working with the CAF," Tippin said. "As a son of a pilot, a pilot myself and patriot, the mission of the organization is especially important to me: acknowledging the history of this great nation and the service men and women who make our freedoms possible is stellar and I'm happy to champion the organization's efforts."

Tippin soloed his first flight on his 16th birthday. He became a commercial, multi-engine and instrument-rated pilot by the age of 18 and is also helicopter-qualified. A certified aircraft and power plant mechanic, he owns a 1941 Stearman, a 1946 J-3 Cub and a 1959 Helio Courier.

"Over the past two years I have gotten to know Aaron personally and seen his commitment to our Armed Forces and his passion for aviation," said Stephan Brown, president of the CAF. "We are honored that he has agreed to help us promote the educational mission of the CAF.

He's traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan during the Thanksgiving Holidays for the past six consecutive years to perform for the troops. As such, Tippin said he understands and has experienced first-hand the importance of supporting our military men and women.

The CAF headquartered in Midland, Texas, is the largest flying museum in the world, operating 156 vintage military aircraft and displaying them at air shows around the country, often reenacting historic air battles featuring the actual period aircraft in flight.

One of the more unique aspects of Tippin's role will be his participation as a pilot in select CAF vintage military aircraft.

"As a skilled aviator, he can walk the walk," Brown added.

Tippin is a country music performer, platinum recording artist and has 13 recorded CD's plus more than 30 charted singles. He performs nearly 200 dates each year.