Aerospace and Arizona Days Dazzles the Crowd, Raises Nearly $11,000 for Community Food Bank

  • Published
  • By Capt. Stacie N. Shafran
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Thousands of spectators were welcomed to the base March 20-21 for Aerospace and Arizona Days, the base's first air show in three years.

Guests received an up-close look at 20 military and civilian aerial demonstrations, 118 aircraft ground displays and 60 non-flying ground displays. Country music artist Joe Nichols also performed a free concert for the crowd March 20, following the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration.

The Thunderbirds kicked off their 57th season during their time here in the "Old Pueblo." The team will travel to 73 shows all over the United States and Canada, representing nearly 700,000 active-duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian Airmen, serving in the United States, overseas and deployed in the joint fight.

While here, the team also flew Dr. Bryan Foulk, a local dentist and longtime Tucson resident, who was selected as Pima County's "Hometown Hero," highlighting his extensive service to the community.

"America's Airmen face extraordinary challenges around the world in defense of our freedoms," said Capt. Jason McCree, Thunderbirds public affairs officer. "The Hometown Hero program allows us to highlight similar efforts of extraordinary Americans who are doing their part in their communities and displaying the same pride, excellence and service that our Airmen show every day."

The A-10 West Demonstration team, based here, performed for the crowd, showcasing the A-10's maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude and its highly accurate weapons-delivery platform.

"This show was extra special for us because we had the chance to perform in front of our home town," said Tech. Sgt. Tommy Napier, the team's narrator and team lead. "We enjoyed meeting all of the people and showcasing what the A-10 is capable of doing, as well as letting the public meet those of us responsible for fixing and flying the A-10, and teaching them how it supports the joint fight in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Additionally, the Tucson Community Food Bank received nearly $11,000 in cash donations and nearly 9,000 pounds of canned goods from air show guests during a collection drive held over the weekend.

"We are grateful to the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Officers' and Enlisted Spouses Clubs for supporting the Community Food Bank during the Aerospace and Arizona Days air show," said Bill Carnegie, Community Food Bank president and chief executive officer. "The donations will go a long way to help feed hungry families in Southern Arizona."

It took a team of 60 members from around the base nearly a year to plan the details of the air show, as well as the assistance of the entire base community to execute Davis-Monthan's largest public event in years.

"I'd like to thank all of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base community, especially the key members of the air show team, for putting together such a phenomenal event. It was a total team effort and it was obvious that the local community enjoyed their visit to our open house," said Lt. Col. Timothy Krauss, Aerospace and Arizona Days director.