Aviation Museum Awards Hemlock Films

After a nationwide competition held by the CAF, Hemlock was selected to produce this one-of-a-kind historic and cinematic experience.

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) have started a new educational inititive titled Rise Above - WASP. This new program highlights the history and lessons of the female American aviators of WWII collectively known as the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots).

During WWII, with male pilots in short supply, the US Army was convinced to start an auxilery trailing program for women pilots. From 1942-1944 over 1000 women were trained as pilots in Sweetwater, Texas at Avenger Field. These women flew every aircraft in the US Army fleet. Their jobs ranged from ferrying aircraft, target towing, equipment transport, test piloting and more. The one job they were not permitted to do...was fly in combat.

In 1944 the WASP were unceremoniosly disbanded, having to pay their own way back home. They had no military rank, were classified and were instructed to speak of their service to no one. In 1977 the WASP were finally given military status.

The new Rise Above - WASP program looks to celebrate these women for their dedicaton to country, and perserverance in the face of a society resistant to change.