First Waco Performance For The Team In 23 Years

The United State Air Force Thunderbirds military jet demonstration team will bring the Red, White and Blue to the skies over Waco, Texas Saturday and Sunday June 6-7 at Texas State Technical College airport in their first performance in Waco and Central Texas in over 23 years at the Heart of Texas Airshow.

“We are thrilled to bring the USAF Thunderbirds to Waco” stated Airshow President Debby Standefer. “Only a few places in the country receive this honor and we are so proud to share this patriotic opportunity with the people of Central and North Texas as well as those throughout the State, and to further our mission to honor our military services and inspire our youth to be involved in aviation. TSTC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and L-3 Communications in Waco has its 30th. What a way to celebrate these great entities!”
 
“The Thunderbirds are looking forward to showcasing the pride, precision and professionalism of the U.S. Air Force at the Heart Of Texas Airshow,” said Maj. Darrick Lee, Thunderbird 12. “We plan to put on a safe, entertaining performance with our F-16s. But more importantly, we want to make a connection with people as demonstrate what Airmen can do.”

Organizers say the Heart Of Texas Airshow is not just an air show; it is an experience that will affect all of the senses with something to offer every age. The event promises to provide something for everyone in an action packed day of fun. Experience thrilling entertainment with USAF Thunderbirds, Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, warbirds, airplanes, wing walkers, a comedy performer and more in the sky and on terra firma. With June 6 the anniversary of D Day, we will provide the infamous B-17 Flying Fortress and B-25, A-26 WWII bombers, P-51 Mustang, re-enactors and aircraft in a commemoration of this important day in history over the weekend. Flights will be available to the public in these and other historic warbirds. Don’t stay on the ground, get in the Air! Wander through concessions of delicious foods, many exhibits, vendors and activities for kids of all ages including an aviation themed kids area.

“With the Thunderbirds performing in their only North and Central Texas performance this year and the first in Waco in 23 years, we are expecting a huge crowd," Standefer said. "Come early and miss the traffic! Please visit our website for all we have to offer and directions for travel and parking. We are excited to return to Texas State Technical College and their incredible airport, previously James Connally AFB, with a tremendous event this year and to show off the TSTC state of the art Aviation and Aerospace Division as well as many of the departments and programs TSTC offers. Baylor University Aviation Sciences will also be on hand and has signed its third year of sponsorship with the Airshow.”
 
Among the exhibits planned at the show is the debut of the all new Air Force Performance Lab interactive exhibit with its F-16, a Navy F-18F and static aircraft from the Texas Air National Guard. Opening Ceremonies at the start of the air show will be action packed including government dignitaries, military bands, honor guards, fly-bys, the Golden Knights and more!

Other acts scheduled for the show include the Trojan Phlyers Demo Team with their astounding formation aerobatics. Piloted by highly decorated combat veteran pilots performing exciting precision close formation aerobatic routines demonstrating the cutting edge performance of the Trojan T28 warbird and the flying expertise acquired in formal military training, the Trojan Phlyers demonstrate high speed action with the roar of the big engines as they fly their historic aircraft rich in military history in a unique and thrilling performance and salute the veterans or our great nation and the men and women who continue to serve and protect us today. New this year is Gene Soucy and his Wing Walker Teresa Stokes. Also new is Kent Pietsch who flys super comedy routines and lands his airplane on a truck.

The Heart Of Texas Airshow looks forward to working with local businesses and organizations. Non-profit organizations are invited to participate to raise awareness and funds. We are accepting vendors, exhibitors and volunteers. “Sponsorship is invaluable to an event. It enables the event to grow in every way. We work with our sponsors to develop active integrated programs not only to promote the sponsor and assist them in achieving their marketing goals, but to create a positive experience on site for the public. The attendance this event garners not only locally, but from spectators throughout central Texas and from Dallas to Houston gives us the ability to market not only our sponsors but to showcase and promote the city of Waco and TSTC while at the same time becoming an important revenue source for the area via lodging, retail and food sales in town through the weekend. Airshows have a tremendous impact on the public, the sponsors and the economy with the ability to reach all demographics and cross all lifestyles,” Standefer said. Donations will be made to the TSTC Foundation for scholarships, the Veterans Airlift Command and volunteering non-profits.

(Images provided with show news release. Trojan Phlyers image from file)

FMI: www.heartoftexasairshow