World War II Airborne Demonstration Team Foundation

Remember, Honor, Serve

World War II Airborne Demonstration Team Foundation
History

The World War II Airborne Demonstration Team Foundation was founded in 1995 by former US Special Forces sergeant Richard Wolf, when he recognized the potential to develop a unique way to honor and commemorate the achievements of all World War II Allied Forces and Airborne Operations in particular.

His vision was to develop an Airborne Demonstration Team loosely based upon the 1945 Airborne Demonstration Teams that were set up to sell War Bonds for the United States Treasury. When taking the ‘Airborne’ concept to 54 cities around the USA, at each location, the Team would perform a demonstration jump in front of huge crowds and helped to raise millions of US Dollars for the war effort. Here the general public could view, first hand, airborne operations in small scale simulated combat scenarios.

Originally headquartered in Alderson, Oklahoma, the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team Foundation was able to secure the use of a 1942 vintage C47 Dakota aircraft complete with invasion markings and was soon able to expand as the numbers of committed supporters grew. Running two jump schools annually to develop new recruits, the Team quickly gained a reputation for excellence in training and safety and now boasts a membership that not only encompasses many US States but also Europe too.

The Team has now conducted many living history operations in several US States as well as in Europe. These have ranged from small veteran reunions to major international events including the 60th Anniversary commemoration events in Europe for operations ‘Overlord’ and ‘Market Garden’ in Normandy and Holland as well as the ‘Pathfinder’ operation in Bastogne, Belgium. The Team has also been represented at and supported many commemorative events with static displays where no jump has been possible.

In 2005, the Team’s expansion has continued as the Team has now moved to a new headquarters and training facility at Frederick Army Airfield, Frederick, Oklahoma. Here, the Team is based in a WWII hangar building that is in the process of being restored to its former glory and will become the center for the Team’s living history museum.

Throughout its existence, the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team Foundation has striven to take their airborne operation to air shows, veteran reunions and commemorative events in an effort to fulfill its objective to remember, honor and serve the veterans of World War II. By performing its ‘dynamic commemoration’, today’s public can learn, first hand, and remember about the skill, sacrifices made by veterans; honor their achievements; and serve the memory of the many veterans who never returned, plus the veteran legacy members associated with the Team.