The Saving Our Flying Heritage (SOFH) is a non-profit public educational foundation filed under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. The Organization is dedicated to presenting the Army Aviation story to the American people through narrated, patriotic flying presentations and static displays of the actual aircraft and equipment used by the men and women who served in Army Aviation. This is accomplished t
hrough the acquisition, restoration, and maintenance of historic flyable army aviation aircraft representing Army Aviation (Vietnam to present). The Mission
The SOFH is a national, one-of-a-kind non-profit all-volunteer organization composed of veterans, their families, and civilian supporters and is acting to connect the American soldier to the American public as an active, accepted, and admired member of the American family by presenting the story of Army Aviation and the American soldier. The SOFH is providing America an opportunity to hear its veterans share their stories and see its military legacy in flight and in action. The Method
To best share the legacy of the Army and Army Aviation with the American public, the members of the SOFH have chosen to take the story TO the American people, versus having the people come to them, through extensive and elaborate use of its historic flyable Army aircraft fleet in "living history" programs presents at major public venues, such as air shows, and at numerous other smaller community outreach initiatives. The Need
Few military branches have had a dynamic a growth and development as Army Aviation, yet it’s heritage and the professionals who made this history are little known or recognized. Further, the various types of historic Army Aviation aircraft are rapidly disappearing, they are being given to foreign governments or sold for scrap. Finally, there is a present generation of young Americans who have no first hand knowledge on the contributions of these sky soldiers and their aircraft. When their aircraft are gone and their stories left untold, their legacy will remain forever unknown to the American people. The Organization
In 2009, the SOFH was organized by a group of concerned citizens and veterans to improve the public’s awareness of Army Aviation and it’s Veterans. Utilizing flyable historic Army Aviation aircraft, the SOFH tell the story of Army Aviation to the public through country-wide education presentations. To secure the long-term success of this "first-of-a-it's-kind" organization, the organization has:
1. Incorporated as a Non-Profit Domestic Corporation, in October, 2009.
2. (Donations of money and equipment are fully deductible under IRS guidelines).
3. Qualified to receive Federal surplus property and supplies through the Federal Surplus Program. Aircraft
The Organization is constantly on the search to obtain examples of historic Army Aviation aircraft. These aircraft are acquired and maintained solely as a "means" to tell the Army Aviation story to the American public. To date, the SOFH has been successful in acquiring both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, representing the eras from World War II, Korea, Vietnam to present. Some of the aircraft have already been restored to "show quality" condition, while others are waiting their turn for full restoration as funds become available. Aircraft Preservation
One of the unique functions of the SOFH is to obtain, restore and maintain in flyable condition, examples of historic aircraft representing Army Aviation from Vietnam to present. No other known educational organization is totally dedicated to preserving only flyable U.S. Army Aviation aircraft for future generations of American to experience. Following acquisition of an aircraft, the SOFH has four primary tasks:
1.Whenever possible, to locate veterans who are experienced with the aircraft (or an aircraft of similar characteristics), to lead a group of SOFH volunteers in it’s restoration and operation.
2.The restoration of the aircraft to its original Army Specifications.
3.Research the aircraft’s Military history and integrate it into our educational presentations.
4.Ensure the aircraft and crew are maintained to high operational and safety standards in full compliance with F.A.A. regulations. The Save Our Flying Heritage understands that today’s soldiers and their families are watching how America treats her veterans. We are using veteran aviators and veteran aircraft to inspire Americans of all generations and ensure that our Nation’s military legacy and heritage of service are never forgotten.
