Airpower on display

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Greene
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Lawn chairs lined the perimeter of the flight line as more than 40,000 people awaited the flight of the T-38 Talon.

Col. Robinson, 509th Bomb Wing vice commander, gave thanks to military members during the opening ceremonies and U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton introduced Lee Greenwood for the singing of the National Anthem.

People of all ages and backgrounds roamed the flight line to scout out their favorite aircraft hoping for a photograph to add to the family album.

With a B-2 flyover, chicken fajitas, funnel cake and a 1950's Cadillac convertible in Berkshire Blue there was something for each of the five senses. The 2009 Wings Over Whiteman Air Show and open house was underway.

Midway down the flight line, two representatives from the Kansas State University Aviation department, Dan Bergman and Dan Sheehy, were eager to answer questions about their program. One of the young men was a recent aviation graduate. When posed with the question of whether he was considering 'Crossing into the Blue' with the U.S. Air Force he responded that he was keeping his options open. Mr. Sheehy had recently traveled to an air show in Oshkosh, Wis.

"The caliber of planes at this air show is much better, but Oshkosh was a week-long air show," Mr. Sheehy said.

Roger Wolsey, pilot of an L-39 Albatross (Million Air organization)--whose aircraft was active in the Czech Republic Air Force said, "It's great to meet the Airmen as well as the civilian public."

"Many people don't realize how important an air field is to their local economy. Some see it as a mile of concrete."

Challenge of doing air shows--"It seems I'm always away from my family during air show season. Today is my 16th wedding anniversary and my wife isn't with me," Mr. Wosley said.

The participants were very diverse. The Geek Squad, computer technicians from Best Buy, was in attendance and stood out from the masses in their black and white attire complete with badges and black shades. When approached they were very friendly and added that the Geek Squad Volkswagen Beetle was also on the flight line for visitors to tour.

The Patriot Freedom Riders, a motorcycle club whose motto is "standing for those who stood for us," came with bikes adorned with American Flags.

The AH-64 Apache demonstration grabbed people's attention and the Jelly Belly plane soared through the sky with the engine turned off. After the final flight of their plane the crew passed out mini Jelly Belly treats for distinguished visitors and guests.

One gentleman was proud of Whiteman and not afraid to show it. At the face painting booth he had the B-2 painted on his right cheek in black. Children were also walking around with painted faces, as well as fake tattoos of fireworks and eagles.

To cool off, the Harrison family from Knob Noster rested under the wing of an F-15. They came to see the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers. The lines were the only negative part of the air show in their opinion and they added kudos for the chicken fajitas.

James Johnson and his 9-month-old daughter Kenetia came from Grandview, Mo to see the F-22 Raptor and F-15 Strike Eagle. The first air show he attended was at the Charles B. Wheeler airport in downtown Kansas City, formerly Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base.

"We think the Air show is fantastic," said Madison and Brady Close, children of Tech. Sgt. Jason Close. 

The overall mood of the Wings Over Whiteman Air Show was a positive one. The weather was beautiful, the entertainment was stimulating, and the crowd got what they came for; a fantastic display of airpower from Team Whiteman.