Friday, August 21, 1998

Dyess airshow says thank you in B-1 big way

The Dyess Air Force Base Big Country Appreciation Day airshow stands out as one of the area's most shining occasions each year. No matter how long we've lived here, we never tire of witnessing first hand exactly why the United States Air Force is the world's most respected air power and why Dyess is right at the heart of that mission.

And if you've recently moved to Abilene or the Big Country and haven't seen the annual Appreciation Day spectacle, then you really ought to take advantage of Saturday's opportunity to meet the high-tech Air Force up close and personal.

There is new cause for celebration associated with this year's event, with the announcement last week that the activation of a third B-1 bomber squadron at Dyess in 2000 is right on schedule. On-base construction, nearly $15 million worth of it, is scheduled to begin this month.

Base officials have planned an exciting array of flying demonstrations, and numerous aircraft - including Dyess own B-1B Lancer and C-130 Hercules - will also be on static display for really close-up viewing. And crew members will be on hand to talk about their jobs, making sure the human element behind the machinery is fully evident.

The past and the future

In addition, aircraft from World War II and the Korean War will afford a poignant touch of history, including a replica Japanese "Zero" fighter made for the film "Tora, Tora, Tora." It will be interesting to compare those historic airplanes with modern, state-of-the-art fighters that will also be at Saturday's airshow, like the F-15 Eagle, featured in the movie "Air Force One," and the F-18, which appeared in "The Rock."

If the aviation side of things isn't enough for you, Appreciation Day also offers plenty of exhibits on the ground, including a display of classic, collectible cars, a live band performing and a military working dog demonstration. Nearly 50 organizations will have booths with displays featuring equipment and operations demonstrations, to say nothing of food and drink.

The gates open at 9 a.m. Aerial activities get under way at 11:30. Admission and parking are free.

The entire panorama is Dyess personnel's way of saying thank you for the opportunity to live and carry on their mission in the midst of such a friendly, supportive community, whose close relationship with the military base long ago became legend within the Air Force. The day is also an opportunity for all of us in the civilian world to learn more about our military neighbors - about what they really do and how they go about it - and to say we're welcome for the open invitation.

It's practically impossible to imagine what Abilene or the entire Big Country would be like without Dyess. If you're new to the city or the area, you really owe it to yourself to go to Saturday's Appreciation Day airshow, to see and hear and feel what this top-notch military installation is all about.