SEATTLE, Oct. 21, 2019—The Museum honors Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with special programs and free Museum admission for veterans and active military. The patriotic events include a ceremony with keynote speaker retired U.S. Army Gen. Peter Chiarelli, former 32nd Vice Chief of Staff in the Army—responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Army and its 1.1 million active and reserve soldiers. All of the Veterans Day activities are free with Museum admission.

11 a.m. Concert and Ceremonies
The celebration begins with live music by the Boeing Employees Concert Band at 11 a.m., inspiring speeches from city leaders and Gen. Chiarelli at noon, followed by the special presentation by Marysville Ford, Military Warriors Support Foundation and Wells Fargo of a new, payment-free vehicle to retired U.S. Army Sgt. Matt Watters in honor of his service and sacrifice.

Watters is the recipient of the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among other awards. He now lives with his family in Sumner, Wash.

2:30 p.m. - Vietnam Air Rescue Lecture
Following the ceremonies will be a lecture and audience discussion with Vietnam veteran pilots Rick Drury, Tom Dwelle and Jim Platt. They will look back at the daring air combat rescue operations they flew in Vietnam using A-1 Skyraider “Sandys” and HH3E “Jolly Green Giant” helicopters. The 2:30 p.m. lecture is presented by the American Fighter Aces Association.

About Wells Fargo and Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes
The vehicle donation at the Museum is made possible by Marysville Ford and Wells Fargo through the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program.

Wells Fargo has been helping military members and veterans succeed financially for more than 160 years. Since 2012, Wells Fargo has donated more than 390 homes (valued at over $60 million) and provided more than 30 vehicles and financial mentoring (valued at over $1 million) for combat wounded veterans and Gold Star families in collaboration with local dealerships.

Since 2010, Military Warriors Support Foundation has awarded nearly 1,000 mortgage-free homes through its Homes4WoundedHeroes program and has assisted combat wounded veterans and their families in paying off over $20.7 million in debt through mentorship.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Ted Huetter/Senior Public Relations Manager
T: 206.768.7105 C: 206.455.5360 Email: thuetter@museumofflight.org

Image: The Museum of Flight Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park. Ted Huetter/The Museum of Flight.