The Method

The Method | The Need | The Foundation | Aircraft | Preservation | Marketing Material

To best share the legacy of the Army and Army Aviation with the American public, the members of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation have chosen to take the story TO the American people, versus having the people come to them, through extensive and elaborate use of its historic flyable Army aircraft fleet in "living history" programs presented at major public venues, such as air shows, and at numerous other smaller community outreach initiatives.

Each living history program is designed and presented to honor our Country's military and its veterans while inspiring patriotism in the public that ultimately supports them. These programs give a glimpse of military life, service and devotion to the next generation. Every aspect of the AAHF's air show outreach programs is designed to provide an exciting yet realistic demonstration of the soldiers, equipment, and role of Army Aviation and the Army in American military history. The programs are delivered with a meaningful and patriotic presentation and narration to grab the public's ear so that they might hear the foundations message of enthusiasm, love and pride in the accomplishments of the Army, Army Aviation, and America's military services to our Country.

As an example, the Vietnam program combines seven of the AAHF's veteran Army helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft with actual infantry assault teams to deliver a realistic and powerful portrayal of the use of Army Aviation and Air Assault infantry forces in a typical AirCav troop action in Vietnam. The program includes multiple aircraft gun and rocket runs, artillery support, a low-level re-supply, and air drop, and an infantry air assault with a realistic ground "fire fight", complete with opposing forces and the liberal use of blank ammunition by both sides.

Realistic pyrotechnic effects support the action throughout this program to convey realistic weapons effects to the crowd. Every effort is made to ensure that the audience receives a realistic representation of the Army and Army Aviation in action during those troubling times in Vietnam.