THE VIRTUAL ARMY EXPERIENCE RETURNS TO THE

TRI-STATE FAIR

Interactive Mission Simulator Offers Participants a Virtual Test Drive of the U.S. Army

WHAT:

Attendees to the Tri-State Fair will have the opportunity to lace up their boots and take part in a virtual mission as Soldiers in United States Army at the Virtual Army Experience.  The high-tech, team-based mission challenges participants, 13-years and older, to employ teamwork, rules of engagement, leadership and state-of-the-art military technology to successfully complete their mission. The experience, where participants can also play the America’s Army PC game against Real Soldiers, is open to Tri-State Fair attendees from September 18-26.

THE MISSION EXPERIENCE:

This Virtual Army Experience provides participants with a clear insight into today’s high-tech Army and immerses them in the operational roles of Soldiers. During the 25-minute experience, participants receive a comprehensive mission briefing to prepare them for entering the virtual mission simulator. Participants then fall-in on HMMWV simulators, modeled on the actual vehicles employed by Army Special Forces. Other participants load a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, where they employ light arms and provide air coverage support against enemy forces rendered by the America’s Army game. Upon mission completion, participants receive a debriefing on their performance.

AMERICA’S ARMY REAL HEROES:

Visitors will also meet a heroic Soldier featured in the America’s Army Real Heroes program, which tells the stories of Soldiers who have earned citations for bravery and valor.  America’s Army Real Hero SSG Tommy Rieman, who received a Silver Star for his role in Operation Iraqi Freedom, will share his story with VAE participants, sign autographs and hand out his America’s Army action figure to participants who excel on the virtual battlefield.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

WHEN:                     The media is invited to follow participants through the Virtual Army Experience during Tri-State Fair hours from September 18-26.  Onsite interviews are available with America’s Army Real Heroes and Army Soldiers during air show hours.

WHERE:                      Tri-State Fair Grounds          

                                    Amarillo, TX

CONTACT:               Amy Lindstrom at 206-399-3177 or alindstrom@ignitedUSA.com

More information about the Virtual Army Experience can be found at http://vae.americasarmy.com.

# # #