Rockford AirFest Launches Honoring Heroes Program

On the show, Riley and I try never to miss an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have served our country. So we're excited to see that the Rockford AirFest also is asking for your help in honoring veterans during this year's event on June 7 and 8 at RFD.

This is at least the third time that Chicago Rockford International Airport is rolling our it “Honoring Heroes” appreciation program as part of AirFest. Those who are chosen get to take part in a pretty neat collection of events:

In addition to participating in commemorative activities during AirFest, honorees or their families will receive two complimentary one-day tickets to the festivities, general parking and shuttle to the Heroes Chalet located on the flight line, complimentary beverages, lunch and snacks, exclusive meet and greet opportunities with the performers and a commemorative Heroes Program featuring photos and bios of each honoree.

Nominations are open to any veteran or fallen military member who has served in the Vietnam War Theater and has not previously been recognized in an Honoring Heroes program. That means those who served in Vietnam and in other Southeast locations that took part in the conflict including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos. It also includes those based outside the country who flew combat missions over the war zone and those who served with the Navy & Coast Guard in the waters off North and South Vietnam.

Forms are currently available online at the AirFest website. Entries must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on May 23. Nominees also must reside in the airport's service region of northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and eastern Iowa.

This is a great opportunity for a small "thank you" to those who have served. And it might get you even more excited for AirFest (less than 45 days away).