RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Partnering with the San Antonio community for Celebrate America's Military week, Team Randolph opens its gates to the public Nov. 7-8 for the 2009 "Forging the Future" air show.
The free event is open to the public and features a variety of military and civilian aerial acts including the F-22 Raptor, A-10 Thunderbolt, C-17 Globemaster III and the Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue parachute team. Guests can also get a first-hand look at some of the military's newest technologies on display, as well as the classic B-52 Stratofortress and C-5 Galaxy.
Gates open at 9 a.m. both days, with aerial acts running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking and admission are free, and vendors will be on site selling food, drinks and souvenirs.
Approximately 60 people began planning the event last fall, according to Lt. Col. Darryl Parkinson, air show director. The base expects to draw more than 150,000 people between the two days.
"We typically estimate 75,000 per day," Colonel Parkinson said. "Generally all air show attendance has been up this year. I think they're attributing it to the economy, and an air show is a cost-effective day out for the family."
In addition to the flying acts and static aircraft, the event will also feature rides and games for the young and young at heart.
"We'll have children's inflatable bouncy castles that are air show-related, plus there is a portable rock-climbing wall and bungee jump," said Shelta Reese, 12th Force Support Squadron director of marketing. "And we have 'Stepping Stones to Aviation' -- a small airfield for the young ones, where the kids get in miniature aircraft and push with their feet to run through an obstacle course."
The Lego Group will set up shop for the kids to show off their creative building skills, while the older aviation enthusiasts can try their hand at on-site flight simulators.
"There will be two F-4 simulators in the display hangar, and an M-4 simulator that has several different planes," Ms. Reese said.
Colonel Parkinson said the overall intent of the air show is not just fun and games.
"There are several purposes, but first and foremost it provides an opportunity for the general public to come on base and see firsthand what their armed forces do in defense of the nation," he said. "It's our way of thanking the local community for their support and builds on our strong relationship with San Antonio."
Air shows at military bases are also good opportunities to educate the public - particularly the 17- to 27- year-old demographic - about the different career opportunities in the military. Armed Forces recruiters will be on site with displays and can answer questions for those considering joining the military.
"There is potential for future or current recruiting," Colonel Parkinson said. "Not only do we get to show folks where their tax money goes and strengthen our community relationships, but perhaps we also get some future recruits for the U.S. Air Force and the military in general."
For more information about the Randolph Air Show, visit www.randolph.af.mil, become a fan of Randolph on Facebook, or follow @RandolphAirShow on Twitter.