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Open House draws more than 200,000 spectators

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jasmine Reif
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Record breaking attendance at the Luke Days 2011 Open House March 19 and 20 was a result of the efforts of thousands of Airmen and civilians throughout the 15 months leading up to the event.

The planning for Luke Days 2011 was a significant effort that began in late 2009 and involved a staff of more than 70 personnel. Thousands of hours went into coordinating aerial demonstrations, static displays, security, parking and much more to ensure a great event for the more than 200,000 people who attended the air show over the weekend.

"At times the number of people involved ballooned into the hundreds, while during the execution of the event there were thousands of base personnel involved," said Col. Robert McCutchen, Luke Days director. "The success of Luke Days 2011 would not have been possible without the detailed planning, plus passion and tenacity of our Thunderbolts and community partners off base."

Fifteen aerial acts entertained the large crowd. On the ground, 63 static displays gave visitors an up-close, hands-on experience with current and vintage aircraft. One display that drew a lot of attention was a shiny B-25 complete with retro pin-up girls painted on the sides. The plane took to the air May 29, 2009, completing a 28-year reconstruction. The pilot and the flight crew chief take every opportunity to show off their hard work and share it with the community.

"The professionalism of the Airmen and their willingness to help us get settled definitely makes me want to come to the next air show," said Col. Spike McLaine, B-25 pilot.
The flight crew chief, Col. Paul Brinkmann, found the people who planned the air show to be superbly helpful. "All the people we associated with have been great, and I've felt that they really wanted to help us and weren't just doing their jobs."

During the open house, approximately 1,200 Airmen and civilians worked at the concessionaire stands, to help feed the guests and also raise money for unit booster clubs and private organizations. One Airman, who was selling ice cream and lemonade, recognized the importance of the team effort.

"When our unit leadership asked for volunteers to help out during the air show most of us immediately stepped up," said Staff Sgt. Devin Wilson, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit avionics specialist. "I wanted to be a team player, because I know how much work it is to bring in the amount of supplies needed to take care of a crowd this size."

Volunteer positions were not always in an area of expertise for the Airman doing them, and many quickly picked up the skills needed to succeed. Staff Sgt. Nathan Varnagatas, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron propulsion flight test cell technician, was assigned to public affairs during the air show.

"It was nice to be able to interact with the public and media during such a large event," Sergeant Varnagatas said. "It gives us the chance to let our community see who the Airmen are and what we do for them every day."