WWII paratroopers to drop on Frederick, Okla.

By Sharon Bennett, ADT Public AffairsJuly 17, 2014

WWII paratroopers
Members of the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team prepare to board "Boogie Baby," the ADT's C-47 Skytrain, to make their next qualifying jump during Open Hangar Day earlier this year. Parachutists from all over the U.S. and several foreign coun... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (July 17, 2014) -- Frederick, Okla., will be "invaded" by WWII paratroopers and other Soldiers as they conduct the summer Jump School and Open Hangar Day at the historic Frederick Army Air Field.

The WWII Airborne Demonstration Team's Summer 2014 Open Hangar Day and Fly-In is set for July 26, at the Frederick Army Airfield. The event is free and open to the public, and will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Airborne Demonstration Team extends a special invitation to all veterans of World War II.

The Open Hangar Day and Fly-In concludes the team's Summer Jump school, which begins July 19, and will include students from all over the United States, as well as other countries. Jump phase should begin on the afternoon of July 24 for the students, and team members will be jumping throughout the entire week.

During Open Hangar Day, members of the WWII ADT, as well as the Army Air Defense Artillery Museum from Fort Sill, and the Tulsa Living History Association, will present military displays and memorabilia throughout the day. Historic military vehicles will also be on display. In addition, instructors and students from the jump school will be on-hand to show off their equipment and answer questions about the team. Airborne jump demonstrations are planned for that morning.

The ride-along Airborne Experience will also be offered. Join as a Gold level member and you will be entitled to a C-47 flight while it is dropping paratroopers.

Many WWII veterans will be in attendance and will be honored at an afternoon wing pinning ceremony for the jump school students.

Many members of the WWII ADT traveled to Normandy France in early June to take part in the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Allied invasion. The ADT jump team joined forces with the European-based Round Canopy Parachute Team, as well as many other teams from various nations, to jump five consecutive days on six original drop zones that were used by paratroopers to spearhead the Allied invasion of France. Most of these jumpers will be returning to Frederick to receive refresher training, and to prepare for the team's trip to Southern France to commemorate the 70th anniversary of "Operation Dragoon" in August, and then to Holland in September for the commemoration of "Operation Market Garden." The team plans to mark the 70th anniversary of the many jumps during Open Hangar Day, and during the wing pinning ceremony.

Visit the WWII ADT website at www.wwiiadt.org for more detailed information and a schedule of events. You can also contact Sharon Bennett, ADT Public Affairs Officer, at 580-305-2289 or email at pr@wwiiadt org for more information.