Teamwork shines for major base events Published Sept. 24, 2009 By Col. Gary Goldstone 375th Airlift Wing Commander SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Team Scott rallied yet again for another outstanding event in two weeks: the 2009 Airpower Over the Midwest Airshow. That came off the heels of another great event, the Air Force Ball. Both of these events were executed with style and grace--unmatched anywhere! While the air show itself may cover a two-day weekend, more than nine months of planning went into making the event a reality. Everything from acquiring aerial demonstration teams, aircraft static displays and ground exhibits to crafting a parking plan had to be well thought out in advance. The airshow was a true team effort requiring everyone at Scott Air Force Base to rally together. With volunteers from nearly every organization on base lending a hand, the airshow demonstrated a positive image of Scott Air Force Base and the talented professionals assigned here. It takes a tremendous amount of effort for an event like this, and we certainly could not have done it without our community partners, volunteers and base leadership who were just outstanding on every level. The professionalism, dedication, flexibility, and Airmanship displayed throughout the entire airshow is the reason why the 375th Airlift Wing is Air Mobility Command's Showcase Wing! We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day on Saturday to enjoy the performances. The Snowbirds are truly a class act, and we were honored to host them--and all our performers--this year. While Sunday proved to be disappointing with the cancellation of the flying portion of the airshow due to the low cloud ceiling, there were still thousands who came out to enjoy the static displays and booths later that day. Airshows continue to be an important communication tool designed to educate the American public about their U.S. Armed Forces, to support recruiting and retention efforts and to showcase military assets and its servicemen and women. There were 90,000 people attending this year's show so there were plenty of opportunities to talk about what we do for a living and have them see the skills and airpower on display. September continues to be a month full of activities as this Saturday we host the area's 40,000+ retiree population for a day of appreciation and information. There will be several briefings and booths set up at the Scott Club geared toward these members of our military to help them as they continue their transition from active duty and help them be aware of services available to them. Mary and I are very appreciative of all the work that has gone into all these events and are impressed by the outstanding display of tradition and heritage. We remain humbled and honored to be a part of such a wonderful team! While there are many people to thank for the outstanding mission execution of the Air Force Ball and the airshow, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight these team leaders and community partners: Air Force Ball Chairperson and Overall Coordinator: Lt. Col. Juliette Robinson Floor Boss: Lt. Col. Michael Kayser Fundraising Committee Chairperson: Tech. Sgt Keith Kelchen Treasurers: Capt. Julie Shepherd and Tech. Sgt. Keith Kelchen Club Liaison: Capt. Rosalind Killingsworth and MSgt Angela Carmichael Communications Support: 1st Lt. Ebony Haney and Airman 1st Class Michael Viau Decorations Committee Chairperson: Senior Master Sgt. Cynthia Williams Entertainment Committee: Senior Master Sgt. Jimmy Ku and Staff Sgt. Stephanie Boley AF Ball Invite and RSVP POC: Master Sgt. Ronnie Tabor and Master Sgt. Robert Madrigal AF Ball Advertising and Graphic Design: Master Sgt. Wayne Greene and Tech. Sgt. Bob Young Distinguished Visitor Escort Coordinator: Master Sgt. Kari Cumba AF Ball Slide Show Development: Staff Sgt. David Johnson Honor Guard Coordinator: Master Sgt. Dale Gray Protocol: Mrs. Elizabeth Stoeckmann Guest Speaker Escorts: Capt. Derek Hudson and Capt. James Browning 2009 Airpower Over the Midwest Airshow Director - Lt. Col. Michael Kayser Air Ops Director - Maj Robert Shull Ground Ops Director - Capt. Michael Lee Deputy Ground Ops - 1st Lt. Michael Force Civil Engineering - 2nd Lt. Jonathan Daley Medical Director - Maj Guy Venuti Deputy Medical Director - Master Sgt. Jason Read Clinical Security Forces - MSgt Thurston and MSgt Arsenault Services Director - Michael Zipfel Finance Director - Joe Arterburn Protocol - Elizabeth Stoeckmann Static Coordinator - Master Sgt. Stephanie Deve Military Static Displays - Maj. Mark Keener Ramp Boss - Tech. Sgt. Richard Wickencamp Hangar Boss - Staff Sgt. Kyle Baldwin Aircrew Hospitality - Master Sgt. Rechell Hansen Airfield Ops Coordinator - Randy Gray Maintenance Coordinator- Staff Sgt. Michael Herbert Transportation - Senior Master Sgt. Paul Elliot Medical Director- Maj David Hampl Public Affairs - Karen Pettit, Master Sgt. Sabrina Foster Community Relations - Christine Spargur Legal - Capt. James Bosnick III Safety - Darel Gerlt Contracting - Tech. Sgt. Thomas Showers Plans and Contingency Operations - Capt. Eric Johnson Webmaster - Geno Carvotta Special Projects - Carol Haar Deputy Ground - Lt. Michael Force Community Partners Fire: · Lebanon Fire Dept · St. Clair County Special Emergency Services Team Medical: · ARCH Air Medical (Medical Helicopter) · Air Evac 11 Life Team (Medical Helicopter) · Mascoutah EMS · O'Fallon EMS · MedStar Ambulance · Abbott Ambulance · MO-1 DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team) · RHCC/Belleville Memorial Hospital · St. Clair County Health Department · St. Clair County CENCOM (911) and Emergency Mgt Agency. Law Enforcement: · St. Clair County Sheriff's Auxiliary · St. Clair County Sheriff's Department · St. Clair County Coroner's Office · Mascoutah PD · Belleville PD · Fairview Heights PD · Shiloh PD Donations/Fundraising: · Scott Field Heritage Airpark Committee