Albany, NY (July 11, 2002) - - - Two vintage World War II combat aircraft are scheduled to arrive at Albany International Airport at noon on Tuesday, July 23rd. The B-17 "Flying Fortress" and German Blitz Bomber are operated by the Commemorative Air Force and will be open for tours and rides at the Airport daily through July 29th.

On Thursday, July 25th, the B-17 will be the centerpiece of a competitive "Plane-Pull" to benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New York. Teams of up to 20 individuals will attempt to pull the B-17 Bomber during the Airport's second "Plane-Pull.". The Airport invites teams sponsored by corporations, unions, public-safety departments, community organizations and the general public to enter the competition. Competing teams will donate $500 to Special Olympics New York for a chance to win a trophy and the "bragging rights" for the fastest team to pull the B-17. Teams can enter by contacting Special Olympics New York at 518 388-0793.

The B-17, known as Sentimental Journey, and the HE-111 Heinkel German Blitz Bomber will be open for tours from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM each day. In addition, the Commemorative Air Force will offer individuals and group flights on board the B-17. The ride will cost $400 per person.

The Commemorative Air Force is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization incorporated for charitable and educational purposes. Their goal is to preserve, in flying condition, a complete collection of combat aircrafts that were flown by all military services of the United States during World War II. Members of the Arizona Wing travel to nearly 60 airports each summer to display their aircraft.

"The Commemorative Air Force enables people of all ages to come together to view first hand a piece of American history built and flown by the men and women of the Greatest Generation, " said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority.

Plane Pull is part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) - a series of year-round fund-raising efforts organized by law enforcement officers throughout the state to benefit Special Olympics New York. The Torch Run includes the annual Cops & Lobsters fund-raiser through Red Lobster restaurants, golf tournaments, Polar Plunges, Harley-Davidson raffles, Fire Truck Pulls, the annual Torch Run to the Summer Games and many other public awareness and fund-raising activities.

"We are grateful to Albany International Airport, the Commemorative Air Force and the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police for donating their time and resources to this great family event," said Neal J. Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics New York. "Their efforts to help spread the message of Special Olympics truly makes a difference in the lives of our athletes and their families."

"The law enforcement community has been friends with the athletes of Special Olympics for many years," said Colonie Police Chief John Grebert. "There's definitely a bond between Special Olympics athletes and those of us in law enforcement. Their dedication to their sports, their enthusiasm toward life and their courage in the face of challenge is inspiring."

American B-17's flew daylight bombing raids over Europe during World War II from air bases in England and Italy. The "Flying Fortress" lived up to its name by being able to sustain considerable damage and still bring its 10-member crew home.

Sentimental Journey was built by Douglas in late 1944 and served in the Pacific. After the war, it was transferred to Elgin Field in Florida for service as an air-sea rescue craft. In 1959, it went into storage and was then sold to a California Company for service as a Borate Bomber, flying thousands of sorties against forest fires throughout the country. In January of 1978, Sentimental Journey was donated to the Arizona Wing of the Confederate Air Force (now Commemorative Air Force). The aircraft was disassembled and then painstakingly restored to its original World War II configuration.

The HE-111 was Germany's primary bomber during World War II. The Heinkel was used extensively in the Battle of Britain. The plane suffered extensive losses by British Spitfires and Hurricanes and was withdrawn to night bombing runs.

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