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<< Back to the Recruiting Office EAA Warbirds “Living History Group” Mission Statement To accurately, honestly and respectfully recreate military history in a “live” setting to honor those veterans who served, educate the viewing public and to preserve our history to the best of our ability. In doing so, the Living Historians themselves can experience period living conditions, converse with veterans, better their knowledge of events and equipment and share that knowledge with the public. Our Purpose at EAA EAA Warbirds refers to us as their “Living History Program.” We strive to be the best at what we do - that is to as accurately as possible, recreate the look of WWII combat soldiers and their surroundings for the visiting public at EAA AirVenture. We represent the 340th Bomb Group under the 57th Bomb Wing, 12th Army Air Forces. The Squadrons consisted of the 486th, 487th, 488th and 489th Bomb Squadrons who flew B-25 Mitchell Bombers in Sicily and Italy, 1943. Other aircraft that would have been seen at these Mobile Combat Airbases include B-24, B-26, A-20, P-38, P-40, P-47, P-51, C-47 and C-54 Aircraft. Our Airfield is named “Miller Field” in honor of USAAF veteran Joe Miller who is a supporter and honorary member of our group. As an adjunct to the vintage warbirds, we represent the men and women who flew and serviced these aircraft as well as staff, support and security personnel. Even civilian visitors who may have visited an active period airbase can be seen. We attempt to provide the visitors to our area with the sensation of stepping back in time. Rules and Standards: To accomplish our goals each individual should strive to be the best. Authenticity is a must! Only period uniforms, gear and/or accurate reproductions will be allowed. The individual participant must look the part they are playing and should have studied period photos and films. We reserve the right to reject any applicant who does not meet requirements or is deemed by the staff to be detrimental to the event. We do not wish to be disrespectful to the veteran, our history, EAA or the visiting public. A familiarity with military drill, procedure and protocol is always a plus but not necessary. We are expected to act as active military personnel when on the grounds and in uniform. Any participant who embarrasses the group, breaks the rules and/or acts in an unacceptable manner will be asked to leave and removed from the grounds. Military protocol will be observed at all times we are on the grounds and in uniform! This includes saluting officers and saluting when the national anthem is played. Participants are expected to pose for pictures and to do so authentically, and we are expected to answer any questions the public may ask. Participants are expected to rise at 0700 and be in uniform, ready to go at daily flag raising at 0800 hours. A mandatory morning briefing of the days activities follows. Participants are expected to be in character (unless permission is granted otherwise) during the entire day until afternoon assembly and lowering of colors at 1700 hours. Uniforms: While "on duty" from 0700 to 1700, WWII period uniforms will be worn unless an opportunity arises to do a different time period photo shoot or forum. Clothing after dismissal for the day is up to you. Uniforms may be original items or reproductions. Reproductions are encouraged but must be cleared with the authenticity officer before being used. A basic uniform recommendation for Army Air Force personnel is as follows: A. Work clothing: HBT coveralls, flight suit, flight jackets, service shoes and proper headgear. Headgear must be worn at all times out doors and removed when indoors. This excludes Hangers and temporary shelters. B. Class-B uniform: Shirt (Pinks, Chocolate, OD or Khaki), pants (Pinks, Chocolate, OD or Khaki), Tie (Chocolate or Khaki wool), belt (open face - enlisted, brass - officer), shoes (Service, dress), socks (OD or tan), headgear (service cap or overseas garrison cap (plain, or with applicable piping - blue & gold for AAF). Leather A-2, B-3, B-6 or D-1 flight jacket is optional. C. Class-A uniform: Same as Class-B with the addition of proper Service Tunic with proper rank and insignia. Note: U.S.N., Allied Airborne and other branches that are authorized shall wear their appropriate dress as deemed by their CO or authenticity officer. Exceptions to the above recommendations include impressions for other allied nations, Luftwaffe personnel, Women’s Army organizations, Red Cross, USO and WASPs. An authenticity officer will be assigned to approve these impressions and to settle any questions regarding appropriate attire. Attendance: Participants are strongly encouraged to attend a minimum of 3 (three) days. A minimum of four days are required to receive the free Warbird Awards Banquette Dinner pass. Those attending for the whole week are greatly appreciated and encouraged! (Those who do attend for the whole event will tell you that it is well worth the time set aside for this event!) Those attending for the whole week know that there is a lot of work in preparing our "Air Base" for the show. Large tents need to be erected, flag poles set and the grounds laid out in proper order. All of this needs to struck at the end of the show too! Help is always needed on these days and is greatly appreciated. Participants are expected to be on the "Air Base" grounds at 0700 to prepare our exhibit for the day. The shower facilities are open 24-7 and participants should strive to take care of personal hygiene during "leave" time. The raising of Colors is at 0800 daily with all units assembled on our parade grounds. Female personnel are excused from these rules and are allowed to utilize this time to attend to themselves. Inspection and briefing will follow flag raising. Breakfast can be eaten prior to 0800 or after briefing. Retrieval of colors is at 1700 hrs. Participants will be dismissed at this time after a short debriefing. Inform the CO or Officer of the Day anytime you are leaving the Base so personnel can be accounted for at all times. Activities Our activities and assignments throughout the day will inevitably vary with some regularly scheduled "Missions" during our week. These may include photo sessions (full Bomber Crew, Fighter Jock and Ground Crew), forums, parades, or just camp life. These requirements will be covered at briefing on a daily basis. Participants are encouraged to be proactive and seek out "Mission" opportunities and to bring your ideas and suggestions to the morning briefings. During your day the visiting public will likely photograph you constantly. Be prepared to answer questions and pose at a moments notice. Scheduled photo ops for various Warbird owners may take place daily. This may require a Pilot or two with Ground Crew or a full Bomber Crew with Ground Crew. This is a great opportunity for us to get into the aircraft and get that "true" feeling of being there! We also participate in the Warbirds Air Show performing a combat scenario for the crowds on the flight line! Our role is that of a mechanized column being attacked by enemy aircraft, then receiving Allied air support. This is a great way to gain public awareness for our encampment and our purpose at EAA AirVenture. I ask that personnel be prepared to be cooperative and flexible and to comply with orders. Arguing in the public eye will not be tolerated! Disagreements can be discussed in camp, in private. This will help our event run smoothly and impress the public and the event organizers. We also host a "Movie Night" open to the public. WLHG members are expected to assist with set up and take down and attend in Cass B uniforms. The party is held in camp (weather permitting)under the stars and the atmosphere is usually a lot of fun! BYO snacks and beer. Benefits Your experience here will be a memorable one! Along with the memories and knowledge you take with you, Warbirds of America provides us the following benefits to the Living History staff. Free parking passes This is usually a very nice dinner where our unit has a chance to be recognized and thanked. All participant awards, plaques and door prizes are given out here by Warbirds. Those who wish to attend who do not qualify for the free ticket can purchase one separately. Please reserve early and let the CO know you are going prior the show as tickets are limited. This ALWAYS sells out! Class-A uniforms are required unless other dress authorized by the CO! Travel to this event through the grounds is in period WWII convoy style! Miscellaneous info: Participants must pay a $10.00 registration fee on check-in with the unit secretary. If paying by check, please make it out to “Warbirds LHG.” These moneys are kept in a unit fund to pay for unit needs such as period tentage, repairs, equipment and supplies. Your registration fee also will get you a unit T-shirt when you register. Our own WLHG unit night out is an individually covered meal and it is a great time to rehash the weeks activities, share stories and make suggestions. Class-A or Class-B uniforms are highly recommended, but not required. During the week, the few un-provided evening meals are on your own. Note: No open fires are allowed. We are the only organization allowed to stay 24-7 on the flight-line, this being our Airbase. No one is allowed to go near any aircraft after dark, NO EXCEPTIONS! There is a Unit GP Medium on the base for billeting. Bring a cot, sleeping bag and lighting if you wish to take advantage of this. You can bring your own tent if you desire and stay in the Warbirds Volunteer campsite just off the RED LOT and West of us. Period bicycles are not allowed to be ridden anywhere but in the Warbirds area. The perimeter is the taxiway south of Fighter Alley immediately south of our encampment. No bikes are allowed in the vender’s area either, and this will be enforced by EAA security. Bikes used for photo sessions in the central display area will have to be carried on vehicles. All WWII vehicles will still have access to the entire grounds. EAA Security thanks us for our cooperation.We hope you find your experience at EAA Warbirds enjoyable and memorable and that you will wish to continue with us in the future! EAA Warbirds Living History Group staff, Lt.
Col. Kevin J. Wisniewski, CO (Chairman) Download
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