Jun 28, 2025
American and Brave Tuskegee Hero Honored at Orlando International Airport's "Liberty Weekend"
ORLANDO, Fla. — Soaring aircraft above, soaring music below, and a crowd of patriotic passengers in-between. That’s just one way to describe the scene at this year’s “Liberty Weekend,” a free, patriotic concert at the Orlando International Airport (MCO), featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert, which is traditionally held the Saturday before our Nation’s birthday, was themed this year as “A Celebration of Flight.”
Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Colonel Joe Kittinger Award to Tuskegee Airman Flight Officer Daniel Keel. Chosen by a panel of distinguished local veterans, Mr. Keel was honored for his extraordinary service to aviation, the nation, and the Central Florida community. Mr. Keel is the 10th overall recipient of the award, which was named in honor of Col. Kittinger (1928-2022), of Orlando, a pioneer of military and civil aviation.
Of the five Tuskegee Airmen Pilots who are still alive, Flight Officer Keel, 102, of Central Florida, is the only one who was triple rated. Mr. Keel was a Navigator, Bombardier, and Fighter Pilot. Drafted into service during World War II, Mr. Keel served his nation with courage and bravery, during a time of conflict and racial discrimination.
In 2007, Mr. Keel received The Congressional Gold Metal, the highest civilian honor that Congress can confer.
“It was indeed an honor to present Flight Officer Daniel Keel with the highest community honor that the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board can bestow, the 2025 Colonel Joe Kittinger Award,” said GOAA Board Chairman Tim Weisheyer. “Liberty Weekend and the Kittinger Award have a rich heritage, deeply rooted in the airport’s military ties to this community.”
“This event is just one part of our ongoing commitment to the Central Florida community and is a ‘thank you’ to the traveling public.” said GOAA CEO Lance Lytle. “We are glad to have hosted the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and to present the Colonel Joe Kittinger Award to Flight Officer Daniel Keel, a deserving local military veteran.”
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Maestro Chris Confessore, stirred the Terminal with patriotic tunes and other selections, including a medley of summer movie soundtrack classics. Prior to the Orchestra’s performance, members of the Central Florida Community Arts Choir entertained travelers with selections ranging from Motown hits to Broadway favorites.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving more than 57 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.
For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.