Air Show: Behind the Scenes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Gonsier
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Every year, Team Barksdale and members of the local communities visit the base to watch the Barksdale Air Force Base Defenders of Liberty Air Show.

Many Airmen sacrifice their own time to make the show possible and help out their own organizations.

"I volunteered last year at a beverage stand and I was also a cashier," said Airman 1st Class Essence Brock, 2nd Comptroller Squadron. "I volunteered with some fun people so it made the time go by fast."

As vice president of the First Four Airmen Association, Brock is one of the members in charge of finding volunteers for the air show and other base events.

More than 30 First Four Airmen volunteered for one of two shifts each day. They helped run three hot dog stands, two beverage stands and contributed with cleaning up, Brock added.

"I've always enjoyed volunteering for the air show," said Senior Airman James Lawson, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. "It gives me another perspective of the show and a chance to interact with all the people."

The F4AA wasn't the only organization working behind the scenes. Airmen from just about every unit and organization on base contributed to the air show.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Sigmon, 2nd Operations Support Squadron airfield management, was in control of overseeing flight plans of the air show performers.

"It's been smooth for the most part," he said. "It was a little confusing for some of the civilian pilots who have never filled out a military flight plan before."

The flight plan is used to keep track of aircraft departure, Sigmon added. The form also lists the speed of the aircraft, point of departure, proposed departure time, altitude, flight route, destination and estimated time en route.

"More than 40 flight plans were filled out by the air show participants," Sigmon said. "The planning and execution from the air show leadership definitely made this a very pleasant and enjoyable air show experience from the operations side."

Sigmon also said he enjoys interacting with individuals during the air show who operate airframes and perform missions outside of what he is used to seeing.

"I am able to see the Thunderbirds and helicopter pilots which is a nice break from the norm," he said.


There were also Airmen stationed around the base screening vehicles and directing traffic.

"My job was to oversee all of the traffic from the south side," said Senior Airman James Catron, 2nd Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor. "I oversaw the vehicles of the distinguished visitors, performers, venders and commanders, as well as granted access to base personnel. We also dealt with missing persons, medical emergencies and unauthorized visitors. We made sure no drugs, alcoholic beverages, weapons and unauthorized items made it through."

Working during the air show gives Airmen the opportunity to work with individuals who are not a part of the base and it gives the community a lasting impression of the Air Force.

"Not only is volunteering for the air show a great way to get out and meet people, but being involved is part of the 'whole person' concept we promote" Brock said. "The concept is not only being a great Airman at your job, but getting involved in the base and local communities as well."

The small things Airmen do can go a long way in not only improving themselves, but also give them a chance to have a lasting impact on the community.