FORT BENNING, Ga., (March 23 2016) -- Elena DePree, a veteran and active pilot, always had love for aviation, and strives to promote the importance of planes whenever possible. She was a Black Hawk crew chief in the Army, and she served for 17 years, but her love for aviation began before her service in Paris, Texas, where she grew up.

While she won't be flying in the event, DePree encourages everyone in the community to attend the Thunder in the Valley Air Show April 16-17 at the Columbus Metropolitan Airport. The Thunder in the Valley Air Show has contributed more than $750,000 to local charities over the years, DePree said. There will be variety of participants in the air show as well as several displays on ground.

"You won't be disappointed," she said. "It's going to be action-packed."

Tickets available at MWR. Costs are $10 in advance, $15 day of and $8 for military. Call 706-243-8954 for more information.

Fort Benning will support the Thunder in the Valley Air Show with Soldiers from the 194th Armored Brigade and 198th Infantry Brigade attending, and the 316th Cavalry Brigade providing military vehicles and a small arms weapons display with subject matter experts. The Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade will also bring the Silver Wings for the Air Show opening act. Lastly, the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band will perform the National Anthem for the opening ceremony.

Coincidentally another Fort Benning supporter is DePree's husband, Sgt. 1st Class James DePree, who serves as a flight medic at Lawson Air Field.

April 15 will serve as a practice day for performers, DePree said. People are welcome to come out and watch.

"Performers will be by their airplanes, so don't be afraid to go up and ask questions," she said. "They love talking to the crowd. Bring the kids, let them learn about everything going on out there and have a good time."

DePree belongs to the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation, also known as the Sky Soldiers group, who will perform a demonstration called "Rescue at Dawn," a simulation of a rescue of a downed airman in Vietnam. The organization will sell rides on the Huey and Cobra airplanes before and after performances, DePree said.