FROM: International Society of Aviation Barnstorming Historians,
Milton Sandy, Jr., Executive Director, P.O. Box 1535,
Corinth, MS 38835-1535/ 601-286-6087/ 287-4187 FAX/
MLSandy@TsiXroads.com
FOR RELEASE- 12/3/1998
First Step Pioneer to Follow Wright Brothers to Kitty Hawk
On the 95th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first powered
flight, men are still pursuing aviation adventures as they start
assembly of an International Space Station. Back on earth, one of
the pioneers of our nation's space program will follow in the
footsteps of the Wright Brothers to be inducted into the First Flight
Shrine at the Wright Brothers Memorial, North Carolina.
Retired, red haired Col. Joe Kittinger is widely known for his
many world record blue sky aviation adventures. Kittinger was at the
center of many early space experiments involving high altitude
balloons in the late 1950's. On August 16, 1960, he took a first step
into space and fell 102,800 feet to establish a still current world
record for the highest parachute jump in history.
Kittinger says "The advance of civilization has always been
measured by men's footsteps over time and space. I'm honored that one
of my footsteps will be remembered as I join this memorial to the
Wright Brother's aviation contributions to mankind."
On the evening of December 16, 1998, Kittinger will attend the
annual meeting and banquet of the Man Will Never Fly Memorial Society
Internationalle, a slightly less than serious celebration presented by
the group which has the motto "Birds fly, men drink."
On December 17, at 9:30 a.m. at the Wright Brothers Memorial
site at Kitty Hawk, General Ralph Eberhart, vice chief of staff of the
Air Force, will introduce Joe Kittinger during the First Flight
Society induction ceremonies. Dr. John Paul Stapp, another pioneer in
early space experiments, will also be inducted. A fly-over featuring
the B-2 bomber, "Spirit of Kitty Hawk" will cap the 95th anniversary
celebration.
For more information contact: Al Jones First Flight Society, P.O.Box 1903, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 (252) 441-0451, 441-4349 FAX, 441-2424 HOME Email: DEC17@firstflight.org Craig Ryan, Author THE PRE-ASTRONAUTS, 4303 SW Jerald Way, Portland OR 97221 503-578-4133, 578-7569 FAX, Email: RYAN@sequent.com Ms. Susan Artigiani, Public Relations Naval Institute Press Publications U.S.Naval Institute, 2062 Generals Hwy., Annapolis MD 21401 800-233-8764, 410-269-7940 FAX Sherry Kittinger, Press Coordinator The Windstar Project, 608 Mariner Way, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701-5434 407-331-5635, 331-5636 FAX, Email: ACOLJOEADV@aol.com INTERNET MEDIA INFO: http://www2.tsixroads.com/corinth/isabh.html
