The US Air Force Thunderbird demonstration team arrived in Midland on Thursday and got to work on Friday with more than an hour of practice. They also gave media rides to Stephanie Mills of Channel 9 and Lauren Lanmon of Channel 7.
Thunderbirds practicing on Friday
Thunderbirds in close formation.
Stephanie Mills, CH 9 Reporter
Lauren Lanmon, CH 7 Reporter
You know AIRSHO is just around the corner when the local media show up for their briefing. Thanks to all who participated.
Member Gregg Baiano opened Media Day with a flyover of his Huey.
Gena Linebarger briefs members of the media while members Lauri Skinner, Ralph Gillette and Mark Cox look on.
Bill Coombes doing what he does best!
Bob Keating does his best to explain to KMID reporter Kaci Jones what happens when the plane goes down!
Mark Haskin and Michael Clinton editorializing on Bob Keating’s interview.
A big media smile tells the whole story as Steve Clinton prepares for take-off.
It was a beautiful day for flying.
The High Sky Wing worked together again and participated in the Odessa Jaycees annual Fourth of July parade. Despite this being the first foray into parade-dom, the HSW float (and outriders) captured the President’s Choice Award. It was a team effort, but special thanks goes to all those who initiated the idea to participate, restored the 1/3 scale (approximately) P40, and constructed the float.
“No! YOU back up!”
“If it ain’t broke, don’t mess with it.”
Carol Keating gets out the word on AIRSHO.
Nobody had a good time. It was all hard work.
The kids enjoyed riding on the float.
The crowd was thrilled (?) with the daredevil antics of the High Sky Wing Bandits.
“Bandits” Mark Haskin and Michael Clinton display the President’s Choice Award.
These are just some of the participants in the parade.
C-45 Loads up for another ride.
Ralph Gilette and Bill Coombes “ran the show”
Paul “Buffy” Cooper works his magic.
The A-26 was the highlight of the show.
“Sgt Ike” gave an emotional presentation.
Henderson Elementary waited for their turn inside the A-26
Buddy Cooksey was our A-26 expert.
Planes don’t fly without a ground crew. Thanks guys!
James Martin, king of all things “I”
Bill Coombes and Gena Linebarger discussing whatever organizers discuss.
We were honored to have several vets in uniform join our event.
Does this really need a caption?
The day started with hail and rain, but ended with sunshine and flying. Thanks to all who helped organize and present our annual Memorial Day Ceremony.
Memorial Day, Monday May 25
Join us at the CAF High Sky Wing for Memorial Day
11:00 a.m. – Doors Open to the Commemorative Center
NOON – Memorial Day Ceremony, with flyover from High Sky Wing Aircraft
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Lunch Served
Pulled pork sandwich plate, beans, chips and tea/water $10
Hotdog, chips and tea/water $5
1:30 p.m. – Seminar Program – A-26 Invaders in Vietnam
Open Cockpit airplane tours and rides available
4:00 p.m. – Event Concludes
