CFF has confirmed that the Cobra unveiled at Owens Field is the same ship flown during the Vietnam conflict by Col. Claude Lott of Columbia. Pilot and helicopter were reunited for the first time in over 40 years during the press conference. Col. Lott, a highly decorated Cobra pilot, served with the 1st Squadron 9th Calvary of the 1st Cavalry Division and the 214th Combat Aviation Battalion. He went on to command the CH-34 Training Flight for Allied Students, Chief Allied Military Training Division.

Future plans for the Cobras will focus on education and support of military recruiting. S.O.A.R. (School Opportunities And Rewards) is an innovative educational program for which CFF will utilize static Cobras as Mobile Learning Centers. The program will be open to all, but will target underserved schools and at-risk youth. SOAR has four major goals: (1) encourage students to stay in school, (2) expose students to core academic skills through creative activities, (3) promote personal values and personal responsibility, and (4) expose students to future career opportunities.

CFF Cobras will also be used in support of military recruiters from all services at events and in other recruiting efforts. “The Cobras will be a real boost to the military’s recruitment program and will allow the general public to see helicopters that have been an important part of recent military history. We are lucky to have them,” said Woody Randall, CFF chairman.

In addition to the AH-1F Cobra, the Celebrate Freedom Foundation will have more than 25 units in the November 11 Veterans’ Day Parade. These historic military vehicles will include jeeps, half tracks, trucks (Kaiser M35, M1975, M1078), Humvees (M998 HMMWV) and others. Fort Jackson will also be a large contributor of units for this year’s parade.

Celebrate Freedom and Fort Jackson are working together in bringing back to Columbia the Celebrate Freedom Air and Ground Show. Thunder at Fort Jackson will be held on May 9, 2008, Armed Forces Day.