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Homestead air show welcomes new Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Russell
  • 333rd Recruiting Squadron
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Homestead held its first air show in 18 years Nov. 7 - 8, 2009, drawing more than 80,000 spectators, including new Air Force recruits in the delayed enlistment program.

The theme of this year's air show was Wings over Homestead, which featured numerous displays both in the air and on the ground - the main event being the Thunderbirds, the U.S. Air Force precision-flying demonstration team.

In addition to the Thunderbirds, the air show offered performances by the Air Force F-15 Eagle and Navy F/A-18 Hornet demonstration teams, U.S. Army Screaming Eagles Jump Team, U.S. Air Force Jet Car, U.S. Air Force Reserve Band, GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team, Sky Soldiers: A Tribute to Patriots, wing-walking routines as well as several other acts.

Military aircraft displayed on the ground included a B-52 Stratofortress, KC-135 Stratotanker, C-17 Globemaster III, F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130 Hercules and an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter.

In addition to the noise and excitement of the aircraft and aerial demonstrations, the air show spectators were treated to something just as exciting, albeit more quiet.

In front of the audience, the newest Airmen were sworn in by Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron commander, who administered the oath of enlistment to the group of 30 new recruits, made up of Reserve and active-duty members.

Samuel Aponte, future Airman said, "I'm excited to be in the Air Force and can't wait to ship out to basic military training."

Mr. Aponte is scheduled to enter BMT Nov. 10.

"Samuel is my first recruit and I'm proud of him and the decision he has made to serve his country," said Staff Sgt. Cedric Moody, 333rd Recruiting Squadron recruiter.

Air shows offer more than just aircraft poised on a runway or roaring through the sky overhead.

"Events like this not only give the general public an opportunity to see what the Air Force does but also helps to motivate young men and women to join the world's greatest air, space and cyber force," said Senior Master Sgt. Mark Spivak, 333rd Recruiting Squadron senior trainer.

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