Field wide open to win competition held at Appleton Airport
What: Pulling for Honor Fundraiser
When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Appleton Flight Center, N259 Ares Dr, Appleton, WI
Hundreds of people will participate in the annual Pulling for Honor fundraiser to compete for bragging rights to determine who can pull a 200,000-pound FedEx A300 aircraft 20 feet in the shortest amount of time. The test of strength is held to raise funds for the Old Glory Honor Flight and supports its mission of sending local veterans free-of-charge to Washington D.C. to visit memorials erected in their honor.
This year, 32 teams are registered to compete, but the field is wide open. The Green Bay Rugby club has been perennial champions but cannot compete this year due to a scheduling conflict. As a result, last year’s winning time of 11.285 seconds is off the table and the winner is anyone’s guess.
Community members registered teams of up to 20 people and each team is required to raise a minimum of $1500 to participate. Teams will use a rope to pull an empty plane 20 feet in the shortest time possible winning the competition. Prizes will also be awarded for the top three fastest pulls, most funds raised, and slowest pull.
“It’s all in good-natured fun,” said Old Glory Honor Flight Executive Director Diane MacDonald. “But the monies raised from this event are critical to giving veterans the thanks and support they deserve. Pulling for Honor is not just a fundraising event, but a platform for fostering connections and understanding between all of us and veterans.” In 2022, the event raised $132,000 for the Old Glory Honor Flights, enough to fully fund one flight of veterans to Washington, D.C. This year’s goal is to raise $150,000.
“We are honored to be a long-term partner of the Old Glory Honor Flight to show our support for area veterans and our passion for aviation,” said Abe Weber, airport director. “We believe in the power of community support and the positive impact it can have on the lives of veterans.” The Appleton International Airport is home base for Old Glory Honor Flight and to date has assisted with the nonprofit with 64 Honor Flights.
The family-friendly event is open to the public with free admission and free parking. In addition to the pulling competition the event will feature:
- A children’s plane pull, face painting, & bouncy house
- Airfare giveaway – ATW will be giving away two pairs of Allegiant tickets; all event attendees can enter.
- Food trucks, beer tent, refreshments
- Veteran exhibits and resource fair will provide attendees with access to valuable resources, services, and organizations dedicated to assisting veterans in various aspects of their lives.
The event is made possible through the generous contributions of presenting sponsors Delta Defense LLC, Menasha Corporation and Schneider National Foundation, other local businesses, sponsors, and volunteers who are dedicated to giving back to those who have given so much for our country.
About Appleton International Airport
Appleton International Airport connects our community to the world through American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air. In addition to offering nonstop service to 15 destinations, Appleton Airport connects to six major international airport hubs from which travelers can fly to almost anywhere in the world. Using Appleton Airport, travelers can safely and more conveniently get to their destination and home again, leaving them more time for what really matters. Appleton International Airport is the third largest airport in Wisconsin according to arrivals and departures. Visit atwairport.com to learn more.