McConnell provides demonstrations for Wichita Flight Festival

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Team McConnell members participated in the Wichita Flight Festival at Colonel James Jabara Airport, Aug. 22 through 24.

McConnell, other Air Force bases and local recruiters provided a multitude of demonstrations, exhibits, booths and information venues to the local public about the Air Force and its missions.

"A big 'Thank You' to those members of Team McConnell that participated in last weekend's Wichita's Flight Festival," said Col. James C. Vechery, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "This was a very practical and tangible way to reach out to our community that does so much to support us every day."

More than 45 Airmen participated in the Wichita Flight Festival to make it a success.

"In addition to KC-135 Flyovers each day of the show, Team McConnell was out in force with a Military Working Dog demonstration, a Wichita military heritage area manned by our wing historian, as well as several unit merchandise booths," said Colonel Vechery.

Contributing to the success of the Wichita Flight Festival was the 22nd Security Forces Squadron, military working dog section.

The military working dog section brought out two of their dogs to demonstrate their detection capabilities.

The demonstration involved suitcases, one of which held a compound that can be used to make explosives. The handler led the dog to each suitcase and waited for a response from the dog to signify the suitcase which contained the compound.

"We love to showcase our dogs," said Tech. Sgt. Andrew Bedell, 22nd Security Forces Squadron, military working dog kennel master.

Along with showcasing their detection capabilities, the security forces squadron held an enforcement demonstration showing the different levels of aggression to the local public.

The dogs are trained not only to act on command from their handler to detain suspects but also to act as their wingman if their handler is threatened in any way.

"The audience really loves the bite; they like to see the dog attack the decoy," said Sergeant Bedell.

McConnell provided two flyovers over the three-day event, demonstrating the refueling capabilities of the KC-135R Stratotanker and the uniqueness of the aircraft.

The KC-135R Stratotanker is the only aircraft that can provide air-to-air refueling to refuelers.

Team McConnell offered more than just demonstrations; Steve Larsen, 22nd Air Refueling Wing historian provided an educational booth to inform the local community of the history of McConnell and aviation.

Each day the event ended with its premier demonstration; the F-15E Strike Eagle performance which highlighted the many tactical advantages unique to the F-15.

"I really liked the [F-15E Strike Eagle] demo; it was nice to see the tight turns," said David Abel, a Wichita native. "The F-15 is awesome."

After the F-15 demo team performed their tactical maneuvers, they rolled into the Heritage Flight, the closing of the demonstration.

"The Heritage Flight was exceptionally good with the P-40," said Robert August, a Wichita native.

The F-15E Strike Eagle demonstration team is based out of Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.

"Our goal is to improve community relations by showing the taxpayers what their taxes are paying for," said Capt. Phil Smith, F-15E Strike Eagle demonstration team pilot.

"I've heard many wonderful comments regarding all the support provided by Team McConnell to make this an incredible event enjoyed by thousands," said Colonel Vechery.

So far this year, the demonstration team has performed at more than 10 air shows and is only half way through their schedule.

"The Air Force is working hard today, and we appreciate all the support the public given us and we want to give it back to them with an air show," said Capt. Ed Colfer, F-15E Strike Eagle demonstration team commander.

"Capt. Ben Jones and his team of leaders provided world-class support and helped foster the wonderful relationship McConnell AFB has with our local community partners...well done," said Colonel Vechery.