At Duke Energy, we value teamwork and appreciate the varied and diverse backgrounds of our employees. This month we take extra time to celebrate veterans and to recognize our teammates who bring skills learned from their service.
As one case in point, each year in Southport, N.C., Duke Energy sponsors a free breakfast for any veteran or active service personnel. The event is held at the local airport and is hosted by the local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The event typically draws about 200 people to enjoy fellowship over coffee and pancakes. You can meet heroes from all branches, men who served on Air Force One, and women who served our country.
About the Ford Tri-Motor
- First all-metal, multiengine commercial airliner.
- Cost to purchase out of the factory: $55,000
- Total number of tri-motors built: 199
- Led to the construction of the first airline terminal for passengers and was the first regularly scheduled passenger airliner to operate.
- Led to the first hotel, the Dearborn Inn, designed and built for the air traveler.
- Led to the creation of the first pave runway.
- First aircraft manufacturer to require crew training.
- For more information, visit: Ford Tri-Motor
This year there was an added treat because the EAA’s 1929 Ford Tri-Motor airplane was stopping in the Southport area over Veterans Day weekend. We took a special flight with a group of Duke Energy veterans from the nearby Brunswick Nuclear Plant.
The group was selected from the large number of veterans at the plant, and they all boarded the Tri-Motor eager for a new experience. The plane has room for eight passengers, the pilot and co-pilot, giving everyone a great view.
Come along and watch this short video and share in the experience.