NEWS RELEASE

On Friday, August 18^th, Vero Beach Regional Airport will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony at the airport terminal lobby, 3400 Cherokee Drive in Vero Beach, to commemorate the Airport’s World War II legacy and especially celebrate the historical display of Lieutenant John Carney, United States Navy. Guests will start to arrive at 9:30 AM just after the Elite Airways flight departs for Newark, New Jersey.

Indian River County Historical Society, led by Carolyn Bayless and Ruth Stanbridge, presented the WWII artifacts which Ms. Alma Carney has held so dear for so many years to the Airport Staff. The artifacts are themselves a time capsule of LT Carneys experience as a Pilot trainee at Vero Beach Naval Air Station and his experience during WWII and Korean War. The Mayor of Vero Beach, Laura Moss, will be on hand to join Ms. Carney when she officially cuts the ribbon.

“It’s as if he simply took off his combat flight gear, put it away, and never looked at it again”, said Carlos Halcomb, Airport Administrative Manager and retired U.S. Air Force Colonel. Ms. Alma Carney agreed to allow the Airport and Historical Society to preserve LT Carney’s flight gear and mementos in the Airport’s main terminal building for all to see. “This is the perfect place for LT Carney’s artifacts to be on display, where all our airport guests will be able to enjoy it,” said Eric Menger, Airport Director, and retired U.S. Navy Captain.

The public is invited to participate in this ribbon cutting. Refreshments will be served.

The Vero Beach Regional Airport is owned and operated by the City of Vero Beach. For more information about the airport, visit www.verobeachairport.org.