The Commemorative Air Force, a World War II flying museum, launched a fundraising campaign this month to raise money to support a new program designed to honor the women pioneers of military flight.
Supporters will help bring to life CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP, a program that will provide young people, specifically young women, a greater appreciation of their potential, an awareness of the opportunities that surround them, and a mentorship pathway to accomplish their dreams. The CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP program explains the history and the legacy of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), the first female U.S. military aviators. The CAF is now racing towards their all-or-nothing deadline and must raise $100,000 by Nov. 30. To track their progress or make a donation visit www.riseabovewasp.org.
The two main outreach vehicles of the program will be the acquisition of an aircraft and the production of a film that will educate audiences around the country about the WASP’s inspirational history. The CAF engaged Academy Award nominee Sigourney Weaver to lend her voice to the film, which is poised to become the definitive body of work commemorating the achievements of the WASP. A preview of the film can be seen at www.riseabovewasp.org.
“Our goal is to raise $100,000 in 30 days. As with all Kickstarter campaigns, if we don’t make the goal, our program will not receive any of the pledges that have come in from supporters around the world who want to see this remarkable program for women and girls succeed,” said Heather Penney, CAF National WASP Program Chair and one of the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. “I’d like people to know that making a donation will directly help the CAF to not only honor the WASP and their accomplishments, but also provide young women with strong female role models shown in non-gender-typical careers as being successful and passionate. Together with our supporters, we will be inspiring the next generation to rise above their own obstacles and achieve success.”
Heather Penney was one of the first few female fighter pilots in the U.S. She was commissioned as an officer and served two tours in Iraq. As the only woman in her fighter pilot training class and the only woman in her fighter squadron, Penney drew upon the legacy of the WASP to be reminded of her ability to succeed at any goal she set for herself. On Sept. 11, 2001, Penney, then serving with the Air National Guard, was called to intercept hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 before it struck a target in Washington, DC. Her weapon was only the un-armed F-16 fighter jet she was flying. She was prepared to sacrifice her life for her country. Subsequently, Flight 93 crashed when the brave passengers attempted to take control of the aircraft and crashed it into a field.
Learn more about CAF RISE ABOVE: WASP and its Kickstarter campaign at www.riseabovewasp.org.
