WWII Heroes of the Pacific to Visit Nashville

Nashville, TN, August 08, 2016 --(PR.com)-- WW II Army Air Corps heroes to visit Nashville, TN – August 10th thru August 13th, 2016. With the support and gracious assistance by leading citizens of Nashville, The Nashville Airport Marriott will be hosting the 307th Bombardment Group Association, for their 2016 Veterans and Family Reunion in Nashville.

These remarkable heroes – pilots, navigators, bombardiers, radio operators, gunners and maintenance crews – fought the air war in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Their long missions from bases in such places as Los Guadalcanal, Wake and Morotai struck heavily defended targets throughout the Southwest Pacific, earning many awards and decorations, including a Presidential Unit Citation.

One renowned veteran of the 307th group whose heroic story is recounted in “Unbroken,” the highly acclaimed film produced by Angelina Jolie, based on Laura Hillenbrand’s New York Times #1 bestselling book. Zamperini was a member of a B29 combat crew that participated in the devastating strike on Wake Island on Christmas Eve 1942.

The 307th Bombardment Group Association, Inc. consists of veterans of of the 307th's Bomb Squadrons, known during World War II as the “Long Rangers,” and their families. A notable member of the 307th Bomb Group was Lieutenant Louis Zamperini, the Olympic athlete who was the subject of this great war story.

The 8 Long Ranger heroes and their extended families will spend the weekend in Nashville, TN. Their stories are no less notable than those of remaining veterans of the Pacific who have lived to have their story known. Come join us. Get up close and personal with some real live Heroes. Hear their stories, or just shake their hand. They are so very deserving of your attention.

Among other military notables attending the reunion are Col. Robert Burgess, Commanding Officer of the newly re-activated 307th Bomb Wing (The Long Rangers) and Col. Denis A. Heinz, Commanding Officer of the 489th Bomb Group - Dyess AFB. They will be in attendance to acknowledge the veterans of their namesakes, The Long Rangers!

Among the Association’s own memorabilia, some of which will be on display at the reunion, are materials compiled by the association’s historian, Jim McCabe, from years of research in public and private archives of records, photos and declassified mission reports of the husbands, fathers, grandfathers and relatives who served in this group of Army Air Corps flyers.

For those interested in searching for documents and mission reports, and possibly photos of your Father, or Grandfather, uncle or brother. Let Jim astound you with the treasures he can find. No, there is no charge. Just come visit a few heroes.

If you plan to be in the Nashville area between August 10 and 13, 2016, stop by and meet some real life heroes. In 2014, the group, consisting of some of the last living survivors of the Pacific Theater of WW II were each video taped and interviewed by the Associated Press and local broadcast media in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they recorded hours of personal stories and events that can only be found in military archives. They hope you can join them. The boys would be very pleased to meet you.

Ask how you can attend the final evening's events from the comfort of your own room. The 307th Memorabilia Room is open daily. Freely browse the memorabilia, meet an up and coming WW II author, Ms. Ann Williams-Warner, meet a few of the boys or talk with a few members.

The after-dinner Long Rangers Show is open to the public and media personnel on Saturday evening August 13 at approximately 8:30PM August 13. Private interviews and Video taping is scheduled by Greta Walsh the Official Nashville Reunion host.

Ms. Walsh can be contacted thru the Hotel Front Desk.

Pre-Registration for the Long Rangers Show or private taping and interview sessions is required for each attendee. Space is limited, Seating is minimal. First come, first served.