FROM: International Society of Aviation Barnstorming Historians,
      Milton Sandy, Jr., Executive Director, P.O. Box 1535,
      Corinth, MS 38835-1535/ 662-286-6087/ 287-4187 FAX/
      MLSandy@TsiXroads.com

FOR RELEASE-8/15/2000

ORLANDO NATIVE COL. JOE KITTINGER
Celebrates 40th Anniversary of 
America's First Jump From Space

	Forty years ago this year on August 16th, Joe Kittinger set the 
still current world's record for highest parachute jump in history as well
as became the only person to ever break the sound barrier with only himself
as a vehicle (and live to tell about it.)  Friends and supporters who call
themselves the "Red Neck Squadron" are gathering in Orlando to celebrate
the special occasion with Kittinger.

	Kittinger's aviation career has spanned a spectrum of experiences:
test pilot, balloon pilot, test parachutist, combat fighter pilot, prisoner of war, 
civilian pilot and barnstormer.  In addition to his 1960 world's record for the 
longest high-altitude parachute jump in history, he was the first man to fly 
solo by balloon across the Atlantic in 1984.  In his retirement, Kittinger 
barnstorms in an authentic 1929 New Standard Bi-plane bringing a genuine 
aviation barnstorming experience and smiles to thousands of passengers 
at festivals and special aviation events. Col. Kittinger is the subject of a 
new Naval Institute book, THE PRE-ASTRONAUTS by Craig Ryan.  Recently,
he has become known as the "UFO Mystery Man" because of references 
to him in the publication ROSWELL REPORT: CASE CLOSED issued 
by the Air Force.

	Marking the 40th Anniversary, the International Society of Aviation 
Barnstorming Historians is issuing limited edition commemorative postal 
covers featuring an illustration of Kittinger's 1960 world record parachute 
leap from a high altitude balloon at 102,800'. The covers are being specially  
canceled at the site of the jump in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and will be 
numbered and signed by Col. Kittinger.  Honoring Kittinger's military service
to his country as an Air Force pilot and prisoner of war during the Vietnam 
War, the covers utilize the postal flag envelope, Scott US U642.  Proceeds 
will benefit the ISABH's education and research programs.  Covers may be 
obtained for $10 each with a SASE from: Kittinger 40th Covers, ISABH, 
Box 1535, Corinth, MS 38835-1535.

                                 # # #

  For more information contact:

Milton Sandy, Jr., Executive Director
International Society of Aviation Barnstorming Historians
Box 1535, Corinth, MS 38835-1535 
662-286-6087, 287-4187 FAX

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

See also 1997 First Day Covers