AIRSHOW TO HONOR TWO LOCAL HOMETOWN HEROES
September 10, 2014, — Salinas, CA— The California International Airshow, in conjunction with the USAF Thunderbirds will be honoring Nick Cunningham of Monterey, a Monterey High graduate, Olympian and a Sergeant in the U.S. Army as well as Ruben Pizarro of Salinas, former attorney for the California Rural Legal Assistance, currently a teacher at Alisal High School and founder of the Alisal Dream Academy as part of the Thunderbird’s Hometown Hero program.
As a complement to the media flight program, the Thunderbirds host a “Hometown Hero” Orientation Flight program in communities throughout America during their show season. The program is designed to showcase American citizens doing amazing things in their communities, paralleling the amazing efforts put forth by America’s Airmen every day.
Cunningham and Pizarro accomplishments have been submitted to The Thunderbirds under the Hometown Hero program and one will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to fly with the Thunderbirds. The other will fly with Airshow Hall of Famer Sean D. Tucker!
“We are so happy to recognize the outstanding work that Nick Cunningham and Ruben Pizarro have done and continue to do in our community,” said Airshow Executive Director Bruce Adams. Ruben started the Dream Academy at Alisal High School, whose goal is to assist young people in east Salinas to become the leaders of tomorrow, while Nick Cunningham loves to return to local schools to work with aspiring sprinters when he’s not training. His future goals are to teach and coach someday.
The Thunderbirds will announce the name of the person who will fly with them in the next week or two. The Airshow will be held on September 27th and 28th at the Salinas Airport. Tickets are on sale now. For more regarding this year’s performers and information regarding tickets, log on to www.salinasairshow.com. The California International Airshow is an all-volunteer organization that has provided outstanding entertainment on the Central Coast and has raised and distributed over $8 million dollars for local charities.
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