Open House another Sheppard success story Published Oct. 23, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson and Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Sheppard's Open House and Air Show lived up to its billing Oct. 20 as thousands made their way from all over to see the Air Force's heritage and its horizons. The heritage was seen in the JN-4D Jenny, the earliest representation of military aviation in the United States. The F-22A Raptor, the world's most advanced fighter, signified the horizon the Air Force is shooting for. Regardless of the reasons for showing up at the open house, there was definitely something there for everyone. Look, up in the sky The draw for just about anyone going to an air show is primarily the aerial displays scheduled throughout the day. The highlight for Sheppard's show was the F-22, one of the last acts to take to the sky. "I think we're superior over everybody," said Alton Horten from Mabank, Texas, a community about 192 miles southeast of Wichita Falls. "I don't think we can be touched." With the incredible aerial display of the Raptor, it would be difficult to disagree with Mr. Horten. As F-22 pilot Maj. Paul Moga maneuvered the aircraft in never-before-seen turns, climbs and spins, the audience on the ground collectively dropped their jaws in wonder, trying to make sense of what they were seeing. But it wasn't just military aircraft such as the Navy's F-18 Superhornet, the CV-22 Osprey or solemn fly-bys of the B-2 Spirit that drew audible reactions by the crowd. The precise movements of civilian acts like the Aerostars, Trojan Phlyers and MiG-17F also drew eyes skyward as the pilots displayed their skills. The ground is attractive, too Though it was an air show, forms of entertainment that went beyond the planes also beckoned, especially for children. Young participants were encouraged to test their hockey skills with a Wichita Falls Wildcats hockey player, see the static display area from a bird's-eye view while scaling a rock climbing wall, or even prove their bravery while riding a longhorn bull - pulled along at a very slow pace, of course. Guests also snaked their way in and out of various airframes that were open to the public such as the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, F-16 Falcons, F-15 Eagles, and MH-53 Pave Low. "I was dreaming about planes last night," said Patrick Conner, son of the 366th Training Squadron's Tech. Sgt. Scott Conner. "My favorites were the A-10 and the helicopter." But not all were fascinated with the aircraft. Some - especially those who are part of the gaming generation - took a liking to a video game at the NASCAR tent that put the player in the midst of an aerial battle. "The planes are okay," said Michael Green from Seymour, Texas, "but with this, I can kind of see what the pilots are doing. I think it's more fun to fly instead of watch," he said as his eyes remained vigilant on the screen in front of him. For the history buffs in the ground, a few tents displayed Air Force heritage memorabilia, but perhaps none more noticeable than the Tuskegee Airmen Living History Display. "It's so cool that the Tuskegee Airmen could be here," said Carrie Hall, wife of the 362nd TRS's Staff Sgt. Rich Hall, adding she took particular fondness to the Air Force 60th display. "My husband's grandfather was stationed at Sheppard when the base first opened." Never too early Not only does an air show provide an opportunity to showcase current aircraft and heritage, but it also serves as a recruiting tool for future Airmen. Pilots not only flew their respective aircraft into Sheppard, but also shared their specific missions and capabilities with those asking questions, regardless of the age. One ground attraction brought the belief that too young is never young enough to begin cultivating a future crop of pilots, maintainers, civil engineers or medical personnel. Stepping Stones to Aviation, based out of Huntsville, Ala., is a hands-on airport simulation activity for preschoolers to third graders to provide an aviation experience in a safe environment. "It's an introduction to flying for kids," said Ray Talbott, 82nd Services Division director of youth services. "They're shown how to inspect a plane, how to taxi down a runway and how to use the stick to steer. They even get a certificate when they're done." James Dziubanek, the owner of Stepping Stones, said the Air Force shouldn't wait until children are 17 years old before they begin recruiting. "The time to plant the seed is at this age, when they still truly believe they can do anything in the world," he said. "Even if they don't become pilots, if they're thinking about the military while growing up, they might learn about all the other great things (the service) offers - training, education, experience in just about every type of job you could get, college money, you name it." Mission accomplished Regardless of what memorabilia guests left with at the end of Sheppard's Open House and Air Show, there were some things taken away that couldn't be provided on a lithograph replica, a 60th Anniversary-stamped golf ball or items from the F-22 tent. Images of what was seen will surely be remembered for some time: a gravity-defying aircraft; a sea of blue as thousands of Airmen in Training marched through the crowd in formation; AiTs chanting their jodies proudly. Kristi Williams, a guest from Archer City, Texas, just south of Wichita Falls, said it best when considering performances in the air and activities on the ground. "It was worth it," she said. "It was even worth waiting in lines of traffic to get in."