AirFest 2007

October 21, 2007 12:07 am

— MOODY AFB — Taking full advantage of all Team Moody AirFest 2007 had to offer, Jayron Almonte, 14, stepped inside the Air Force Movie Trailer just before 1 p.m. Saturday. Minutes later the teenager stepped out a changed individual.
A member of the Air Force Junior ROTC, which is designed to develop citizens of character who are dedicated to serving their nation and community, in his hometown of Carrollton, Almonte appeared to have enjoyed the 3.5-minute “trip into a world you can only imagine.” The “high-powered audio and visual experience” that took him on a journey through the many aspects of the modern Air Force — scientific research, humanitarian missions, new technologies, space and next-generation jets — did nothing but validate his longheld desire to join the United States Air Force following high school. The mini-movie, all part of the Do Something Amazing tour, which kicked off during Rose Bowl Week in Pasadena, Calif., and will travel to 60-plus cities in 10 months, only made him want to join more.
“Every American should have a chance to see and experience their amazing United States Air Force, the finest the world has ever known,” stated Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service commander, in a Oct. 4 press release. “Our new Do Something Amazing tour allows Americans that opportunity. We’re proud of (our) Air Force members who do the amazing every day, so we’re thrilled that the tour lets every American see their capabilities, technology, contributions and, most of all, their commitment first hand.”
Several yards down Moody flight line, Tamara McElroy of Tallahassee, Fla., as well as her family — husband Sanders McElroy, daughter Madilyn McElroy, 22 months, and 8-year-old son Jaylon McElroy — watched Dale “Snort” Snodgrass fly the P-51 Mustang, which is considered by many to be the premier fighter to fly during World War II, their hands shielding the eyes from the bright sunlight. Tamara noted that she and her family decided to visit Team Moody AirFest 2007 to support the U.S. Air Force and spend some time with her brother, Larry Wright, a member of Moody Air Force Base’s 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron.
Several more yards down Moody Air Force Base’s flight line, 9-year-old James Nelson, who traveled to Valdosta from Dothan, Ala., climbed inside the nose of a World War II era Pacific Prowler, a B-25 Mitchell bomber. Other Team Moody AirFest 2007 visitors took a tour inside a specialized C-130, enjoyed soft frozen lemonade, shopped the various booths and cheered as the AeroShell Acrobatic Team — which flies four T-6 Texan trainers through a series of precision formation acrobatic maneuvers — took a final bow and the Shockwave Jet Semi-Truck raced airplanes, running over 300 mph on three Pratt & Whitney J34-48 engines.
With 13-year-old LaMarcus Daniels, 9-year-old Ansley Daniels and 2-year-old Ashlyn Daniels in tow, Adra Daniels arrived at Team Moody AirFest 2007 when the gates opened at 9 a.m. and did not leave until the gates closed at 5 p.m. She and her three children huddled for shade under the Public Affairs’ media tent while watching everyone from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to Dan Buchanan’s hang-glider acrobatics perform, a clear blue sky in the background.
When asked about the community’s response to opening day of Team Moody AirFest 2007, Capt. Sean Hosey, show director, described the turnout as “absolutely fantastic. This is huge. This is a big weekend for us.”
Hosey said that more than 300 Moody Air Force Base personnel members and their spouses volunteered their time to operate concession stands, vendor booths and static displays, making Team Moody AirFest 2007 truly “a total team effort.” Civilians, including local Civil Air Patrol members and ROTC cadets, also volunteered to help Moody Air Force Base show its appreciation to the community for its support through the years.
Team Moody AirFest 2007 continues today. Gates will open at 9 a.m. and admission is free of charge. The public should enter Moody Air Base just north of its two main gates on Bemiss Road. Signs will be posted.

Photos

The U.S. Air Force 23D Fighter Group Flying Tigers fly in formation in A-10C Thunderbolts Saturday at Moody AFB.

Highly modified World War II T-6 Texan trainers sponsored by AeroShell Aerobatic Team put on a show Saturday at Moody AFB.

Spectators watch an aerial performance Saturday at Moody Air Force Base.

Bryan Groesbeck tests 13-year-old Hollie Oneal’s tolerance for random gyroscopic motion in a U.S. Air Force recruiting booth at Moody Air Force Base during AirFest Saturday.

With three Pratt & Whitney J34-48 jet engines in full flame, Les Shockley’s ‘Shockwave’ Jet Semi-Truck blasts down the runway at more than 300 miles per hour Saturday during AirFest.

After leaving the back of a high-speed sport bike, Ryan Leach climbs aboard Kyle Franklin’s aircraft during a demonstration Saturday at AirFest.

James Nelson, 9, sits behind the machine gun in the nose of a 1942 North American B-25 Pacific Prowler. He and his family made the trip to Moody Air Force Base Saturday from Dothan, Ala., to see the air show.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds soar in F-16 Fighting Falcons Saturday during the Moody AirFest.