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McConnell hosts Open House

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  More than 95,000 guests streamed on to McConnell's flightline to experience military life during the 2010 McConnell Open House and Air Show Sept. 25 and 26.

Representatives from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Air National Guard and the local flying community merged at McConnell to display their capabilities, equipment and personnel to the public.

"We had an incredible show and the community just continued to pour in--that is what the open house is really about," said Col. Jamie Crowhurst, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "It's about showcasing what we do for the community."

McConnell and the city of Wichita helped merged civilian and military worlds for a weekend allowing Airmen to tell their stories and share their experiences from around the world.

"The open house helped Team McConnell show the community what it means to be an American warrior and we are honored to host 95,000 fellow Americans on this special weekend," said Sharon Hamric, 22nd Air Refueling Wing chief of community relations.

The open house began with the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachuting team dropping in with the American Flag. The day continued with a variety of performances from every branch of the military and several civilian acts.

"This open house was not just about the Air Force." said Colonel Crowhurst. "The Army 1st infantry division's armor was getting a lot of attention. The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon was just amazing, and to see the Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet flying over head was a great display of our joint force."

Many airplanes and vehicles were on static display for the public to see and explore, from small model Thunderbirds to a C-5 Galaxy loaded with an Army Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle.

"The open house had great static displays, complemented by great acts like the jet school bus," Tom Phillips, open house guest. "It's great to see all the services together."

McConnell planned the two-day show with a full schedule. However, as the Thunderbirds took the stage Sept. 25, nature intervened with a thunderstorm.

"What makes me proud is how [Team McConnell] came together to make it work, like anything you have a plan but Mother Nature also has a vote," said Colonel Crowhurst. "Fortunately, the team rallied and we did what we needed to do to keep everybody safe."

The weather did not dampen guests' sprits, as many stayed in one of McConnell's aircraft hangars. When the weather cleared, plans continued with a local band, Big Fat Fun, taking the stage and beginning the night show.

"We thoroughly enjoyed playing out there, and too see the people smile as they danced was great," said Jason Shire, Big Fat Fun front man and creator. "It was a great honor to perform for our troops and community."

Preparations for the open house began approximately a year prior to the first airplane taking off. Many of McConnell's Airmen took time volunteer and also demonstrate one of the base priorities.

"If you're going to bring thousands people on base, you need to have a ready base and we have certainly exercised that in preparing and executing the show," said Colonel Crowhurst.

Although Mother Nature interrupted the readiness and preparedness for Sept. 25, the Thunderbirds flew Sept. 26, closing the day's events. For more information on the Thunderbirds visit their website www.thunderbirds.airforce.com.

"I'd like to say thanks to every one of our team mates that has put so much time and effort into making this a success," said Colonel Crowhurst. "I hope that as they worked they took the time to look around and see the ramp full of guests and feel proud of their effort because each one of them made a difference."