Thunder Over the Midlands
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| United States Army Golden Knight descends from 15,000 feet with the U.S. flag. |
Have you ever seen an F-16 fly? Mach 1, low-level turn, straight up, while barrel rolling?
By Eric (Big E) Howard, MSW
Have you ever seen an F-16 fly? Mach 1, low level turn, straight up, while barrel rolling?How many miles per hour is Mach 1, anyway? Have you ever seen someone jump out of a plane at 15,000 feet and intentionally break his chute only to deploy another one and land on a bulls-eye on the tips of his boots? What is F.O.D? How many pounds of thrust does a General Electric F-16 engine produce? Who were the greatest pilots of their time that sported the distinct red tail markings?
Well if you get a chance, ask one of the many RLC, Isaac Dickson, or New Classical Academy students who attended ShawFest 2010, “Thunder Over the Midlands” on May 8th and 9th.
Once again students were able to see math, science, and history in real
time. They discovered a new interest in reading about the history
aircraft and the purposes they serve in our everyday life. The event was
held at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina. Twelve students
boarded an activity bus at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, donning their
smart burnt orange uniform polo shirts, supplied by area sponsors. The
excitement could barely be contained during the four hour bus ride to
the Air Force Base. Over 100,000 people waited to get onto the base to
see the amazing performances by the USAF Thunderbirds and the US Army
Golden Knights. The boys also experienced a Navy FA-18 streak across
the sky at about Mach 1. Once on base, the fun continued. The USAF
Thunderbirds showed off their impressive and amazing precision flying,
skill and stunts that would make anyone’s jaw drop.
After the grand finale, we were hosted by Major Terry McCollom, Shaw AFB
JAG and were able to camp overnight on Shaw AFB. With camp came a
wonderful home-cooked meal of BBQ ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, potato
salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob. The meal was provided by local
Air Force Retirees and their wives, Johnny and Nita Howard and George
and Tina General. The boys ate, played games, and pitched tents for a
good night’s rest so that they would be ready for Day Two of Shaw Fest.
Day Two began with the National Anthem playing as one of the Golden
Knights performed a free fall out of the sky with a stream of red smoke
and the US flag trailing behind him. The Golden Knights demonstrated
amazing precision and skill as paratroopers, capable of performing
stunts in the air and then landing on a bulls-eye barely large enough to
fit their boots on. We saw Shaw’s own Viper East F-16 demo with full
pyrotechnics. We ended our day around noon with the students in awe of
the history lessons and the skill and opportunity they had to see these
amazing machines and people in action. I made it a point to seek out
the folks that make all the things work and the constant theme was
“GRADUATE!” The students were encouraged to make great efforts in math,
reading and science because even if you can’t be the pilot, you might
just be something even more important – the person who makes the plane
fly!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS:
Mr. Nick Sherrod with Oppenheimer, former Naval Aviator and the person
who had the idea to for the trip itself. Nick’s wife, Kendra and Ms.
Jen Ramming with Open Doors for purchasing our uniform Polo’s that
looked outstanding, and also for providing lunch for the trip to Shaw
AFB. Dr. Gordon Grant, who always supports the students’ growth
as-well-as the community. Also, for Dr. Grant’s endless work and effort
for all the students of Asheville City Schools. Superintendent Johnson,
for signing off and supporting the value of such a wonderful trip. Ms.
Martha Geitner who put together our plot outlines, and for supporting
our academic goals. Our team of chaperones which included Mr. Mike
Hancock, Image Solutions and aircraft expert; Mr. Edward Thijs- ACS
substitute teacher; Mr. Russell Johnson- Volunteer and D.A.V. Advocate;
Mr. Randell Johnson- ACS Teacher, Ms. Nycole Howard, Attorney at Law in
Burnsville, NC; Mr. Nick Sherrod, Oppenheimer Investments. And, a
extra special thanks to the South Carolina support team for the trip.
Shaw A.F.B, Major Terry McCollom ,JAG officer who helped secure the
camping area for us on Shaw AFB, Mr. Donovan Howard who came out to play
a little wiffle ball and throw the pigskin around with some of the
students; Mr. George (SMSGT Ret) and Mrs. Tina General who made sure
that our students had a home cooked meal and to my mother and father
Johnny (MSGT, Ret.) and Nita Howard who have always supported my
endeavors and in this instance, treated our ACS Students to one of the
best weekends of their young lives.
Thank you for taking the time and money to provide our students with
food and with gifts for every student who participated in the trip this
weekend.
RLC and Dickson students with Shaw AFB Security Forces.
L-R: Students William, Daniel, Robert, Jahsiah, Tyriq, Balthazar,
Carter, Moncravious, and Jahquise.
