“This is one way we help out the community,” said JROTC Battalion Commander Jaimie Shroufe.
“The event captured an audience of about 5,000,” said Young Eagles Program Air Operations Coordinator Steve Allen. “About 350 kids took airplane rides. We had a great turnout.”
Along with a rebuilt Vietnam Helicopter, there were military and civilian airplanes. The Air Force also brought in a KC 135 refueling tanker (the same as a Boeing 767) and a British WWII bomber. At various times during the day, airplanes flew over the crowd and helicopter rides were offered to paying attendees.
On the ground, the Route 66 Car Club delivered a lineup of more than 200 classic and antique cars.
Helping with security and perimeter control were the Arizona Rangers and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). “We are a law enforcement auxiliary that often assists with community events to ensure all participants and attendees are safe and have a memorable experience, “ said Stan Herrera with the Arizona Rangers Granite Mountain Company.
“This is one way we help out the community,” said JROTC Battalion Commander Jaimie Shroufe.
“We had a great day of weather and it went extremely well,” said Wiseman Aviation Owner and President Orville Wiseman. “There wasn’t a single problem and it was good to get everyone out again. It was really nice.” FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN