(Palo Alto, CA) September 8, 2004: An extensive website featuring a wide range of photographs, maps, flight logs and other memorabilia has been launched to honor Captain Roy M. “Butch” Voris, USN (retired) founder of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Team. The website, which features a “retro” design motif, is located at www.FirstBlueAngel.com. The Web site is being launched in conjunction with the official introduction of Voris’ biography. Written by award winning author, Robert Wilcox, with a forward by renowned astronaut James Lovell, “First Blue” will be published by St. Martins Press in mid September, 2004.
The mission of the site is to generate funds for The Navy Marine Corps Relief Fund and the Naval Academy Foundation. This will be accomplished by selling autographed copies of “First Blue”. All costs for operating FirstBlueAngel.com have been underwritten by members of Butch’s family, all net proceeds from the sales of “First Blue” and the Blue Angels photographs will be donated to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Fund and the Naval Academy Foundation.
“First Blue”, the story of WWII Ace Butch Voris and the creation of the Blue Angels is the rollicking saga of a true American hero—part Rocket Boys, part military history, part the Right Stuff. According to Jim Lovell, Commander of multiple Apollo Lunar Missions, this book should appeal to anyone who has felt the thrill of aviation in their veins. With a great story to tell, Wilcox has crafted a stirring naval action narrative that often reads like an adventure novel covering Voris’ remarkable life. The story ranges from heroic, tragic and humorous to inspirational, but is always spellbinding.
Anyone can enjoy the extensive Blue Angels memorabilia on display at FirstBlueAngel.com, acquire an autographed copy of “First Blue” and support a good cause all at the same time.
The official launch event for “First Blue” will take place at The California Air Show in Salinas, California October 2d and October 3d (www.salinasairshow.com). He will also be feted at the Jacksonville NAS Air Show October 30-31. Photographs for publication and interviews with Butch can be scheduled by contacting hank@firstblueangel.com.
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Contact:
hank@firstblueangel.com
courtney@firstblueangel.com