Dateline: 18 May 2007 Walker Field, Grand Junction CO.
The Tailhook Association Colorado Ready Room in conjunction with West Star Aviation put on a Static Display Airshow this Friday for the "At Risk" Kids of Mesa County. A fun time was had by all!
Doug Thompson of West Star Aviation, friend to all Military Aviators (yep even those "Blue Suiters") opened up his transient line for the Kids to come see some of today's Military Aviation Hardware, and get a chance to meet the pilots, shake their hands, collect some stickers, and maybe get a hug or two.
The kids, from all appearances had a blast!
VFA-122 flew in a couple of Rhino "F's" and were pretty much the stars of the show (like they're not used to that!). But let me tell you, Stubby, Commodore, Diamond and Vasco were every bit up to the part! Those kids couldn't wait to meet these fine aviators, get a picture taken with them, and maybe attain an autograph.
The open house included all sorts of other recreational activities for the kids, ranging from Face Painting to flying an actual (tethered) remote control airplane. They also had the opportunity to tour the cockpit of one of the 737's the Navy uses for Training E-6 Pilots and crew.
Our Airforce friends also made an appearance, flying in with a T-1 and a couple of T-6's Texan II's (I won't comment here about punctuality... really I won't... well maybe a little...) Their story,and they seem to be sticking with it is that they wanted to give the kids a chance to see aircraft actually moving! Instead of having to be content with an "Aircraft Petting Zoo."... "Yeah, that's it!"
And I have to mention one of the cooler aircraft on the ramp was flown in that morning by Rod and Jean Kauber. A beautiful home built. I was told that this beauty is actually 13 years old, but let me assure you,if you look up the term 'showroom quality" in your Websters, there is a picture of this bird next to it! And that prop... wow! Sheer Artwork!
I know I'm missing a few acknowledgements that are certainly due here, but I especially want to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of Hans "Big Gun" and Kathy "The Boss" Schmoldt who not only assisted in putting this together, but offered up their house for the "Cattle Baron's" Ball that evening... (But that's the next article!... Stay tuned...)
More Candids from the Open House below... please enjoy! WE DID!
More Photos here [Link] and I could use your help identifying and putting names to faces, so please feel free to add comments to the photos as you view them.
Hey John...just taking a few seconds to visit and comment. I have found a super-easy way to post now...just send readers using a link to your place. Off to go horseback riding.
Kath :)
aka: Swampy aka: The Boss :0
Posted by: Swampy | May 19, 2007 at 14:42