‘Heroes Day’ to offer special-needs citizens their own mini air show

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DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 400 local people with disabilities or special needs will be brought to the flight line Friday, March 19 - the day before D-M's two-day public air show - to watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds practice their routine.

The event, dubbed "Heroes Day," was organized to accommodate members of the local community who would enjoy the air show performances but might not be physically able to deal with the extensive walking and huge crowds.

In buses and other vehicles, the attendees will caravan from Heritage Park on base to a shaded seating area right next to the runway. They'll have refreshments nearby and acrobatic aircraft overhead.

"The air show is our way of thanking the community for their support, but Heroes Day is our way of showing appreciation for Tucsonans with special needs," said Staff Sgt. Lindsey Pace, the D-M volunteer who coordinated the event. "We just try to make them as comfortable as possible and give them a front-row ticket to the Thunderbirds' awesome performance.

"It's a program we're passionate about, and we hope to make it a long-term tradition at our air shows."

Media members are invited to cover the event from start to finish, including interview opportunities with event organizers and attendees following the Thunderbirds' practice performance.

General information about the air show is available at http://www.dm.af.mil/library/aerospace&azdays.asp.

Interested media should call the 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 228-3407 no later than noon Thursday, March 18. Showtime at the Craycroft Gate Visitors' Center will be noon Friday, March 19; all media will be expected to remain for the duration of the event and be escorted off base at approximately 3 p.m.