April 2, 2014. Louisville, KY. – For the second year in a row, UPS will fly one of its Boeing 767-300 aircraft in the Thunder Over Louisville Air Show. While all eyes will be on the smooth-flying, fuel-efficient UPS brown tail during the air show, the story behind the scenes will be about honoring United States Military Veterans.
From the planning of the Thunder flight to the preflight inspection, and including the flight itself, the UPS Thunder flight on April 12th will be organized and performed by UPS employees who are also proud military veterans.
Said Mike Mangeot, UPS, “Having our veterans involved in every step of this event is a way to honor them for their service to our country and thank them for all they do for our company. UPS has a longstanding commitment to UPSers who are veterans and those serving in the National Guard and Reserves. Their commitment to serving reflects strong ethics, integrity and work discipline that is aligned to values for which UPS people are so well known.”
Currently, UPS employs nearly 24,000 veterans around the world, including more than 2,000 in Kentuckiana. In 2013, UPS hired more than 13,000 veterans for full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs. UPS also supports employees who are currently serving, with nearly 900 employees currently on military leave from the company.
In addition to honoring veterans during the flight, UPS will also recognize veterans on the ground during Thunder Over Louisville. The company is hosting a party for select UPS veteran employees and family members, along with special honored guests from the military, including a group of Wounded Warriors from Fort Knox.
UPS is one of the six presenting sponsors of Thunder Over Louisville – and the longest running sponsor. This is the 24th consecutive year that UPS has been involved in the show. They join Horseshoe Southern Indiana, KentuckyOne Health, LG&E, Valero and Meijer as presenting sponsors of the 2014 Thunder Over Louisville fireworks and air show.
Thunder Over Louisville – the Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – is one of nearly 70 events produced by the Derby Festival in the spring. The 2014 Thunder Over Louisville, themed “Throwback Thunder,” is set for Saturday, April 12, and will be the 25th annual production.
