The AAFHA Squadronaires
WWII Musical Revue
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Featuring Dawn O'Day, Bob Hope, Major Parisi, and a Cast of Dozens.
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The AAFHA Squadronaires WWII Musical Revue
The AAFHA (Army Air Forces Historical Association) Squadronaires WWII Revue is the entertainment branch of AAFHA. Started by Alyssa Martin for her Girl Scout Gold Award, where she created a singing trio based on the music and style of the popular 1940s singing trio, the Andrews Sisters, dedicated to bringing smiles and laughter to veterans and seniors through a live WWII style variety show of 1940s comedy, singing and dancing. She was inspired by both of her Grandfather's military service in WWII and Korean War, and the fact that her Grandmother was a USO "Victory Belle" in NYC and Long Island during WWII. Having successfully completed and earning the Gold Award, Alyssa continued to receive requests to perform at assisted living centers, nursing homes, American Legion Halls, Air-shows and other Veterans events. Initially she continued to enlist the help of her 2 friends who completed the trio. Unfortunately, college life and careers took the other girls to different parts of the country making it more difficult to continue the singing group. Undaunted by this set back and still wishing to perform for seniors and veterans, Alyssa embarked upon a "solo career”, as Dawn O'Day, (the original stage name of her great aunt, actress Anne Shirley), creating a song list of popular 1940s tunes by such artists as Vera Lynn, Judy Garland, Doris Day, Kitty Kallen, etc. She also created an extended entertainment troupe called the AAFHA Squadronaires, expanding the troupe with the addition of AAFHA members to incorporate comedy sketches, duet and solo songs and dance routines by the new participants. Alyssa and the group also researched the period clothing, colloquialisms, skits, vocal styling, and mannerisms, to keep their entire production as authentic and accurate to the time period as possible. With smaller groups or with the full troupe, The AAFHA Squadronaires have brought their variety show to thrill thousands of seniors and veterans at events and senior and veteran centers where they continue to perform before enthusiastic audiences. They have performed at American Legion Halls, Veterans Hospitals, Assisted Living Centers, the FDR Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY, The Westchester County Veterans Museum, The NY Historical Society and airshows throughout the Tri-state area and Pennsylvania. Alyssa has also sung the National Anthem at many of these same venues. |
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Partial Listing of Vocal Performance locations and venues:
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2020 February: Four Chaplains Ceremony, American Legion Post 1009, Yorktown, NY
2019: 490th Bomb Squadron Reunion, Newburgh/West Point 2019: Flotilla 10-01 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Dinner, Lincoln Park Airport, NJ 2019: Somers Lions Club Salute to Veterans Block Party, Somers, NY 2019: Greenwood Lake Airshow and WWII Showcase, West Milford, NJ: 2019: Mid-Atlantic WWII Weekend, Reading, PA 2019: FDR Library and Museum Living History Weekend (Memorial Day), Hyde Park, NY 2019: Lincoln Society in Peekskill: Annual Dinner Dance, Peekskill, NY 2019: Annual AAFHA Dinner, Portobello's 2019: Lincoln Society in Peekskill: Lincoln Speech Re-enactment, Peekskill, NY 2019 February: Four Chaplains Ceremony, American Legion Post 1009, Yorktown, NY 2019: NY State Veterans Home: Montrose, NY 2018: AAFHA's salute to Lt. Bob Grenz: Picatinny Arsenal,NJ 2018: Lasdon Park and Arboretum Military Vehicle Weekend: Katonah, NY: 2018: Flotilla 10-01 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Dinner, Lincoln Park Airport, NJ 2018: WWII Living History Day and WWII Swing Dance, Winsted Connecticut 2018: Greenwood Lake Airshow and WWII Showcase, West Milford, NJ: 2018: Mid-Atlantic WWII Weekend, Reading, PA 2018: FDR Library and Museum Living History Weekend (Memorial Day), Hyde Park, NY 2018: Lincoln Society in Peekskill: Annual Dinner Dance, Peekskill, NY 2018: The Army Air Forces Historical Association 25th Anniversary Dinner, Oakland, NJ: 2018: Lincoln Society in Peekskill: Lincoln Speech Re-enactment, Peekskill, NY 2018: Four Chaplin's Ceremony, American Legion Post 1009: Yorktown, Hgts, NY 2017: Suzi McDonough, DAV and Purple Heart Homes Veterans's Thanksgiving Dinner at Putnam County Country Club, Mahopac, NY: 2017: Hudson Valley Honor Flight's Fundraiser Lunch at Rye Country Club, Rye, NY: Solo 2016: The Washington Township Historical Society, Schooley's Mountain Firehouse, NJ: 2016: Rockland County Senior Citizens Club Meeting, Suffern, NY: Squadronaires 2016: Bristal Assisted Living Centers, Woodcliff Lake, NJ: Squadronaires 2016: The Lincoln Depot Museum, Peekskill, NY: National Anthem: Solo 2016: Yorktown Veterans Day Parade, Shrub Oak, NY: National Anthem: Solo 2015: Rockland County Historical Society Annual Dinner, Piermont, NY: Squadronaires 2015-2016: The Westchester County Veterans Museum, Somers, NY: Andrews Sisters Trio 2014-2016: Greenwood Lake Airshow and WWII Showcase, West Milford, NJ: Squadronaires 2014: The Yorktown Historical Society, Pines Bridge Monument Fundraiser Dinner: Trio 2014-2017: FDR Library and Museum Living History Weekend (Memorial Day), Hyde Park, NY: 2013-2014: The American Legion Post 1009, Yorktown Heights, NY: trio 2013-2018: The Army Air Forces Historical Association Annual Dinner/Luncheon, Oakland, NJ: 2013: The Field Home/Holy Comforter (Sea breeze) Yorktown, NY: Trio 2013-2018: Mid-Atlantic WWII Weekend, Reading, PA 2013: Patterson Swing Dance, Patterson, NY: Andrews Sisters Trio 2012: AAFHA Annual Luncheon, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ. Andrews Sisters Trio |
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To book the
SQUADRONAIRES for a performance at your Air Show, Military, Veterans or other event, contact us! |
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PROMO VIDEO!
(click to enlarge)
LIFE magazine cover design by Paul Martin from photo by Loren Hannah
Lorén Hannah from vgbphotos.com
Our family fur coat.
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Anne Shirley, 1942
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Alyssa, "Dawn O'Day, 2012
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October 25, 2019: 490th Bomb Squadron Reunion, Newburgh/West Point
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The AAFHA Squadronaires were honored to be invited to perform at the 490th Bomb Squadron's reunion in Newburgh/West Point, NY. Veterans and there families heard Alyssa sing a full set of 1940s wartime songs as Dawn O'Day, with introductions by "Bob Hope".
The 490th BS (M), known as the "Burma Bridge Busters" were in the 341st Bomb Group, 10th & 14th Air Forces during WWII in China-Burma-India from September 1942 - October 1945. They flew B-25s and developed a unique flying technique for "skipping" their bombs across the water to destroy Japanese Bridges. Thank you to the 490th members for their wonderful hospitality and their generous donation to AAFHA! For more pictures and video see AAFHA Squadronaires FULL VIDEO |
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National Anthem |
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July 15, 2019: With the U. S. Coast Guard FLOTILLA 10-01 at Lincoln Park Airport: NJ
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It was an honor for Alyssa to again be asked to sing the National Anthem and for AAFHA to be invited to the July 2019 meeting of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 10-01 at the Lincoln Park Airport Sunset Pub & Grill yesterday, July 15, 2019. Alyssa was also asked to sing a full set of her 1940s standards with an introduction by yours truly performing as Bob Hope, accompanied by Col Albert J. Parisi. It was a beautiful night and she sang in front of 100 people with a glorious sunset as her backdrop. From Commander Steve Schepis . "We would like to have Paul Martin's daughter at our Summer BBQ. She was such a fabulous hit, that we would like to work the program around her and her USO presentation. I still get thanks from people who attended last year."
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June 29, 2019 Somers Lions Club Salute to Veterans
JUNE 29, 2019! It was an honor for Alyssa to be asked by the Somers Lions Club to perform the NATIONAL ANTHEM and a set of 1940s wartime songs for their WWII and Veterans tribute at their Independence Day Block Party at the Sebastian Capital Urban Campus on route 100 and 35 (Pepsico). Unfortunately Alyssa's set was cut short by a torrential rainstorm that rolled in for about a half an hour. It was my honor to drive 102 Year Old WWII Army Air Forces veteran, Louis Forte in the Veterans Motorcade. All proceeds went to local Veterans Foundations, The Westchester All Stars for Wounded Veterans and My Brother Vinny. Special Appearance by Bob Hope and Alyssa singing as Dawn O'Day in our WWII Musical Revue! Culminated with a spectacular FIREWORKS Display!
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Here's her rendition of the National Anthem.
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Here is our abbreviated set cut short by a torrential rainstorm that rolled in for about a half an hour.
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June 6, 7 and 8, 2019: MAAM WWII Weekend, Reading PA
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Alyssa had so much fun singing duets as Dawn O'Day, with Francis X. Cubillo (Frank sings Frank) at the MAAM WWII Weekend in Reading PA in June. Here is the video and some nice pics from their performance at the Officers Club on Sunday Afternoon. Thanks to the great Frank Cubillo for supporting and encouraging Alyssa's passion for 1940s music.
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Alyssa Martin sings as Dawn O'Day at the MAAM WWII Weekend in Reading PA in June from WRDG Radio Stage Saturday Afternoon, 6-8-2019. Three Little Sisters, Dream a Little Dream, I'm Beginning to See the Light.
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Alyssa Martin sings as Dawn O'Day at the MAAM WWII Weekend in Reading PA in June from WRDG Radio Stage Saturday Afternoon, 6-8-2019. White Cliffs of Dover, And the Angels Sing.
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Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day in Reading PA at the MAAM WWII Weekend on Sunday 6 09 2109. Her Noon Full Set on the Radio Station WRDG Stage. Chattanooga Choo Choo, Begin The Beguine, See The Light, 3 Little Sisters, Mister Shein, Cheeck To Cheek, Angels Sing.
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June 1 & 2, 2019: Greenwood Lake Airshow
Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day sings the National Anthem at the Greenwood Lake Airshow, June 2, 2019. Alyssa knocked it out of the park on Saturday and Sunday singing the National Anthem at the Greenwood Lake Airshow. What an Honor! Watch for the "bombs bursting in air" at 0:55 - 1:05 on Saturday and the background fly-by at 1:35 on Sunday.
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Watch for the "bombs bursting in air" 0:55 - 1:05
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Watch for the background fly-by at 1:35.
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March 24, 2109: Annual Dinner, Portobello's
AAFHA held our annual dinner on March 24 at Portobello's Restaurant in Oakland NJ. The National Anthem was sung by Alyssa Martin. A Special Veterans Commendation was presented to AAFHA's Viktor Tkaczenko by Passaic County Veterans Service liaison, John Harriss, and AAFHA's Taryn Seminara was promoted to Major for outstanding achievement and extraordinary service to AAFHA by Gen. Wayne Placek and Col. Albert Parisi in ceremonies held during the dinner. Following dinner a short variety show was presented by the AAFHA Squadronaires, starring Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day, Paul Martin as Bob Hope and Al Parisi as Col. Albert Parisi.
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January 15, 2019, NY State Veterans Home: Montrose, NY.
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It was an honor to be asked by Michael Hartnett and Disabled American Veterans (Chapter 137), to give a perfromance of songs and comedy at the NY State Veterans Home in Montrose NY. Alyssa sang 3 full 1940s sets as Dawn O'Day, interspersed with old style Bob Hope comedy from yours truly. It was a Great day all around as about 70 WWII and other veterans sang along with us and enjoyed an hour of vintage entertainment. First set included "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "Dream A Little Dream", "Beginning To See The Light", "Three Little Sisters" "Apple Blossom Time". The second set included "Blue Skies", "When The Lights Go On Again", "Cheek To Cheek", and "Bei Mir Bistu Shein" . The third set included what are becoming Alyssa's signature songs, "Silver Wings", "Lets Get Away from it All", "White Cliffs of Dover" "And The Angels Sing" and a quick re-write of "Thanks for the Memories". At the request to do an encore, someone then asked for "God Bless America" and Alyssa led a heart-felt sing-along to end the show!
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October 20, 2018: Picatinny Arsenal AAFHA's salute to Lt. Robert J. Grenz
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AAFHA's salute to Lt. Robert J. Grenz at Picatinny Arsenal in NJ . Yours truly "toasted" Lt. Grenz and introduced Alyssa who sang a set of WWII standards. "Lets get Away from It All" "Apple Blossom Time" "White Cliffs of Dover" and her premier performance of "He Wears A Pair Of Silver Wings" with music by Marilyn Ziegler Mong. (See video on right)
Bill Darron presented a fabulous video and heartfelt tribute. We then retired to the Picatinny OC next door to continue our celebration. With the Bergen County Veterans Services who were also extremely honored and humbled to present commendations, and the Bergen County Service Medal to Lt. Robert J. Grenz, 94 year old World War II Veteran from Bergenfield, NJ. Lt. Grenz served as a B-24 and B-29 Bombardier in both World War II and the Korean War. He moved to Bergenfield in 1961 and has lived there ever since. We are honored and proud to know Bob for his amazing service to our country. |
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August 4 & 5, 2018: Lasdon Park Military Vehicle Show, LIVE from the back porch!
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Watch Alyssa's WWII REVUE at the Lasdon Park Military Vehicle Show. Live from the back porch! "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "Dream A Little Dream", "Beginning To See The Light", "Three Little Sisters", "Apple Blossom Time", "Blue Skies", "When The Lights Go On Again", "Cheek To Cheek", and "Bei Mir Bistu Shein","White Cliffs Of Dover", "lets Get Away From It All", "And The Angels Sing" !
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Some GREAT photos below by David Rocco of Alyssa's WWII Revue from Lasdon Park Military Vehicle Show. Thank you so much David! Click to enlarge
" The real bonus for me yesterday was listening to your daughter sing the old time songs. She has a marvelous voice. I wish her nothing but the best from here on out as she continues on her musical journey! Attached are some of the images that I took yesterday. Feel free to use them for any possible promotion venue. All My best, Dave
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With the U. S. Coast Guard Aux. FLOTILLA 10-01 at Lincoln Park Airport: July 9, 2018
It was an honor for Alyssa to be asked to sing the National Anthem and for AAFHA to be invited to the July 2018 meeting of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 10-01 at the Lincoln Park Airport Sunset Pub & Grill on Monday, July 9, 2018. Alyssa was also asked to sing a full set of her 1940s standards with an introduction by yours truly perfroming as Bob Hope, accompanied by Col Albert J. Parisi. From Commander Steve Schepis "Alyssa Martin was fabulous. There was a point in the presentation when she was singing the National Anthem acapella and a light breeze began to cause the U.S. flag to flutter. I was so choked up at the sight, I almost began to cry. I looked over and noticed many people in the restaurant standing at their tables with their hands over their hearts. It was truly a memorable evening."
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Photos below by Commander Schepis
Greenwood Lake Airshow, AAFHA Squadronaires; June 10, 2018 on the AAFHA stage!
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Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day sings the National Anthem to start the Greenwood Lake Airshow: June 9, 2018: Click above to view, and below to see the P-51 flyby during the National Anthem to open the show.
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Greenwood lake Airshow, AAFHA Squadronaires with Paul Martin as Bob Hope and Alyssa Martin performing as Dawn O'Day at the Greenwood Lake Air show on June 10, 2018 on the AAFHA stage!
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photos below by Joseph Hoetzl
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Photos below by Andre Moraes
AAFHA Squadronaires performing at MAAM WWII Weekend, June 2, 3, 2018: WRDG Stage
Click on videos below from MAAM WWII Weekend in Reading PA, June 2 and 3, 2018:
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Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day sings Dream a Little Dream, Three Little Sisters and Apple Blossom Time: Sunday june 3, 2018:
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Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day sings White Cliffs of Dover & Bei Mir Bistu Shein: Saturday june 2, 2018:
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Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day, special duet with Frank Cubillo (Frank sings Frank): Let's Get Away From It All: Sunday june 3, 2018:
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Squadronaires perfroming at MAAM WWII Weekend, June 2, 3, 2018: Photos Below by Paul Martin
Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day, Paul Martin as Bob Hope and special duet with Frank Cubillo (Frank sings Frank): 3 full sets June 2 and 3 , 2018.
Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day sings White Cliffs of Dover, Sunday june 3, 2018:
Photo above by Mark Franko
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Photo above by Al Peinhardt
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Photo above by Vlad Kfrg
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MAAM WWII Weekend, June 2, 3, 2018: Photos below by Dennis Gill
AAFHA 25th Anniversary Dinner: Portobello's Restaurant, March 2018
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DAV and Purple Heart Homes Veterans's Thanksgiving Dinner at Putnam County Country Club on November 18. 2017.
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Paul and Alyssa Martin of the AAFHA Squadronaires, performing as Bob Hope and Dawn O'Day at the Suzi McDonough, DAV and Purple Heart Homes Veterans's Thanksgiving Dinner at Putnam County Country Club on November 18. 2017.
photos below by Bob Dumas: Mahopac News
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Photos below by Paul and Joanne Martin.
photos below by NY Riders.
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Paul and Alyssa Martin of the AAFHA Squadronaires, performing as Bob Hope and Dawn O'Day at the Hudson Valley Honor Flight's Fundraiser brunch at Rye Country Club on September 23, 2017. Click on the video above:
Paul and Alyssa Martin of the AAFHA Squadronaires, performing as Bob Hope and Dawn O'Day on the WRDG radio Stage at the MAAM WWII Weekend in Reading PA, June 3 & 4, 2017.Click on the video on right: |
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Photos below by Lorén Hannah from vgbphotos.com Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day
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Hello Mr. Martin,
I am a photographer (one of many, I am sure) that you met on Sunday June 4th at WWII Weekend this year. I had the delight of meeting you, hearing your fun & fabulous ‘Bob Hope’ performance and photographing & enjoying your beautiful vocalist!
A truly wonderful show!!! Your singer does such a lovely act and I really had a great time on our quick ‘photo shoot.’
Thanks again for all of the wonderful work you do to keep History alive & vibrant, it is just so awesome and engaging!!!
Cheers,
Lorén Hannah
I am a photographer (one of many, I am sure) that you met on Sunday June 4th at WWII Weekend this year. I had the delight of meeting you, hearing your fun & fabulous ‘Bob Hope’ performance and photographing & enjoying your beautiful vocalist!
A truly wonderful show!!! Your singer does such a lovely act and I really had a great time on our quick ‘photo shoot.’
Thanks again for all of the wonderful work you do to keep History alive & vibrant, it is just so awesome and engaging!!!
Cheers,
Lorén Hannah
Photos below by Dennis Gill from the Americans in Wartime Museum: Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day
Photos below by Tom Haines from Radio Station WRDG
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The AAFHA Squadronaires at the Washington Township Historical Society,
Schooley's Mountain Firehouse: November 19, 2016
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To watch the full video, click below! The AAFHA Squadronaires
at the Washington Township Historical Society, Schooley's Mountain Firehouse: November 19, 2016
at the Washington Township Historical Society, Schooley's Mountain Firehouse: November 19, 2016
photo by Betsy Guzenski
Photos below by Len Komar, except where noted:
Past Squadronaire performances!
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The Army Air Forces Historical Association
Squadronaires WWII Revue Wayne G. Placek Commanding Officer Oradell, NJ Dear Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to let you know how enjoyable your program was this Friday at our Rockland Senior Citizens meeting. Bob Hope could not have done a much better presentation. We thank you for donating your time and talent to our organization. You captured our member’s attention completely. Thank You. Sincerely, Joe Urban Corresponding secretary |
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VIDEO: Abbreviated impromptu performance at the Annual AAFHA Dinner, 2016.
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Joanne and Paul Martin as Paulette Goddard and Bob Hope.
Performance at the Greenwood Lake Airshow: 2015
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Greenwood Lake Airshow: August 2016
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VIDEO: August 14, 2016 Greenwood Lake Airshow. The Squadronaires perform their WWII Revue. Alyssa Martin as Dawn O'Day, Paul Martin as Bob Hope, Maj. Albert Parisi, Len Komar.
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AAFHA Squadronaires at the Bristal Assisted Living Center Woodcliff Lake,
January 31, 2016.
The AAFHA Squadronaires WWII Revue had a real swell time entertaining the Veterans And Seniors at the Bristal Assisted Living Center In Woodcliffe Lake NJ! We performed 2 shows, including one at the alzheimers ward. Thanks to all at AAFHA Army Air Forces Historical Association for a really great show! Albert J. Parisi Len Komar Rachel Bambi Zelesny, Wayne Placek, Keith MarvelTaryn Zelesny and Alyssa Martin. Kathleen McNally. photos below by Carla Capizzi
At The Beginning! The AAFHA Sisters: 2013
Squadronaires HI-Jinx with the FLS Microjet at the Greenwood Lake Airshow!
Having some fun at the Greenwood Lake Air Show with Alyssa and our favorite pilot friend, Justin Lewis. Justin flies the worlds smallest and FASTEST Microjet, as seen in the James Bond film "Octopussy"! We started this series of photos in 2014 with Christopher Hartney's accidental photobomb appearance, so we recreated it in 2015 with Derek Neill, and 2016 with Paul the "Angry Dad"!
Justin's Microjet is SO FAST it's hard to get a good picture, except when it's PARKED! Justin flew A-10s (and others) in the USAF and is still in the ANG, but flies the FLS Microjet at Airshows all around the country, AND he's a really swell guy!
Justin's Microjet is SO FAST it's hard to get a good picture, except when it's PARKED! Justin flew A-10s (and others) in the USAF and is still in the ANG, but flies the FLS Microjet at Airshows all around the country, AND he's a really swell guy!
