For Immediate Release
Contact:
Bryan Fusfield
DC-3 Society Announces Organizational Changes Boosting Member Support and Programs in Advance of 90th Anniversary Celebrations
Raleigh, North Carolina – December 17, 2024: On the 89th anniversary of the DC-3 Maiden Flight, the DC-3 Society is using this special commemoration to share the organization’s plan forward, operating as a stand-alone entity, officially separating from the Tunison Foundation beginning in January 2025. DC-3 Society operations have advanced and membership has witnessed consistent growth over the last four years. The society’s 501(c)3 nonprofit designation will soon be official.
“We’re excited for the future of the DC-3 Society, especially continuing to operate this type of aircraft in our current climate. It’s imperative we have a structured member organization looking out for our best interests and needs,” shared Eric Zipkin, Tunison Foundation board president. Eric also served as chief pilot for both 2019 and 2024 D-Day Squadron missions in Europe.
With the DC-3 Society taking on the D-Day Squadron’s programming and platforms, the D-Day Squadron will focus on large flying commemorations for the DC-3.
“We know the D-Day Squadron is globally recognized, that’s no secret. It’s become a symbol to many in celebrating the Grand Dame, the legendary DC-3 and all those who crewed and maintained her,” added Lyndse Costabile, who served as D-Day Squadron’s executive director since fall of 2019. “That is why we must highlight the DC-3 Society to ensure longevity of our programs, membership resources and continuing to celebrate all that the DC-3 has accomplished in war and in peace.”
The structured society provides type-specific guidance for operating the DC-3 and its variants, including the C-47, as a way to maintain airworthiness for the models so that future generations can see them fly. It’s estimated 150 of the type are still in service today. Today’s DC-3s are servicing Part 91 flight departments, various museums and educational programs, freight and cargo operations, pest control companies and missionary flights. In the aftermath of natural disasters, the DC-3 is one of the most chosen aircraft to bring in cargo and supplies, given its versatility, load capacity and ability to land on grass strips. The society also serves the legacy of veterans who flew, maintained, and required the model to prevail in conflicts ranging from World War II to the Vietnam War. The organization will inherit D-Day Squadron’s education and outreach programming to include annual flight and commemoration events, the Young Historian’s Program, and educational platforms with museum partners and DC-3 collaborators.
Today, the society hosts WWII veteran Alan Shapiro on a live Facebook broadcast at 4:00 P.M. eastern time, who at age 99 had the opportunity to fly C-47 “Placid Lassie” in Normandy during the D-Day Squadron’s 2024 Legacy Tour this past June. Shapiro trained as a fighter and glider pilot with the US Army Air Corps, but was too young to take part in D-Day. He had to wait until the autumn of 1944, when he turned 18, to join the Allied war effort. He transported fuel and ammunition to keep the army tanks going and dropped paratroopers behind enemy lines.
Alan just celebrated his 100th birthday on October 16 and is excited for some additional flights and events scheduled in his honor. Interviewing him will be the DC-3 Society’s Young Historian’s Program founder, Henry Simpson and member, Adam Estes. Alan is also a lifetime member of the DC-3 Society and a support to its programming.
“We know with the DC-3 Society there is a place for our younger generation to help tell the stories of the Greatest Generation, our heroes too humble to even consider themselves heroes, " expressed Henry Simpson, pilot and founding member of the Young Historian’s Program based in the UK. “I am looking forward to our role to help lead the society’s education and outreach programming, continuing our mission to serve, honor and pay tribute to veterans.”
For 2025, the DC-3 Society is underway planning 90th anniversary events across the United States and Europe, celebrating the DC-3’s maiden flight. The society unveiled commemorative graphics by partner Django Studios in advance of celebrations. Events will be posted to the society’s website and promoted across social channels. Additional live broadcasts are being planned and in person gatherings for active members.
You can find more information about the DC-3 Society, membership and programs by visiting DC3Society.org.
Celebrating the success of the 2024 Legacy Tour, mission accomplished photos, partner contributions and data can be found at: https://www.ddaysquadron.org/mission-accomplished-2024-legacy-tour
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About the DC-3 Society
The DC-3 Society is the first type society of the DC-3, which provides type-specific guidance for operating the DC-3 and its variants, including the C-47, as a way to maintain airworthiness for the models so that future generations can see them fly. The society also serves the legacy of veterans who flew, maintained, and required the model to prevail in conflicts ranging from World War II to the Vietnam War. The society also manages an education and outreach program to include annual flight and commemoration events, the Young Historian’s Program, and educational platforms with museum partners and DC-3 collaborators.
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