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2008 Airshow quickly approaching

  • Published
  • By Col. Al Hunt
  • 375th Airlift Wing commander
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  In fifty-eight days, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds will soar across the skies over Scott Air Force Base. The 2008 Airpower Over the Midwest Airshow will be held Sept. 20-21 and will feature the Thunderbirds along with a variety of other military and civilian aircraft.

Airshows allow us to open the doors to the surrounding communities to give them a bird's eye view of our mission, assets and people. Airshows are also valuable educational tools, inspiring patriotism and aiding in military recruiting efforts.

Most importantly, airshows give us the opportunity to thank the surrounding communities for their support and friendship. It is our way of giving back to them. Our ability to accomplish the mission day in and day out could not be possible without their tremendous backing. They go above and beyond to care for Joint Total Force Scott's service men and women as well as their families.

Our local communities contribute to the Airman's Attic, the annual Holiday Cheer Campaign, the quarterly awards program and many private organizations and charities like the Air Force Aid Society. They also participate in special projects like the Dorm Olympics and subscribe to initiatives like the HOST program where they "adopt" dorm residents to ensure they feel at home. They are an integral part of building the campus concept.

Local businesses also play a big role in supporting JTF Scott personnel with military discounts, messages of encouragement on their billboards and partnerships with the 375th Services Squadron and the Airman & Family Readiness Center.

There are also numerous helping agencies like local police departments, fire stations and hospitals like St. Elizabeth's who train and work with us to care for the military and civilian community at large.

Without a doubt, the surrounding communities are instrumental to the success of Scott AFB. The 2008 Airpower Over the Midwest Airshow is a great way for us to thank these communities.

To learn more about this year's airshow, check out the Web site at www.scottairshow.com. As we get closer to show time, additional information will be available in the Command Post base newspaper, on the Commanders Access Channel (Channel 10) and on the Scott Emergency AM Radio Station (AM 1650).

I encourage you to invite your neighbors, friends and family out to this year's show. It will be a spectacular display of air power and an awesome tribute to the surrounding communities who so loyally support us.

Thanks Joint Total Force Scott personnel for all you do.