Behind-the-scenes efforts put spotlight on air show Published Oct. 18, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Jacob Corbin 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Spectators attending Sheppard's 2007 Open House and Air Show Oct. 20 may be dazzled by aircraft and ground attractions, but the success of the show rests on the shoulders of those working behind the scenes. The task of preparing for the 2007 Air Show began about 18 months ago, when air show planners began selecting aircraft, contractors and Sheppard personnel to help make the show a success. Lt. Col. Matthew Harris, deputy air show director, said the greatest challenge the air show committee faced in the past few months was planning. He said the difficult part was figuring out the best arrangement of aircraft, for safety and ease of access, along with identifying the resources needed to manage it. Out of all the months of planning and preparation, Colonel Harris said this week is the most important of them all. "This week is really where the rubber hits the road," he said. Whether moving aircraft to and from the show location, or setting up tents for medical personnel, Colonel Harris said Team Sheppard has answered the call and taken care of it. "Just about every organization on base has a piece of the open house," he said. "It's an 'all hands' operation." In addition to the support of Team Sheppard, Colonel Harris said the air show staff had one other thing to help them prepare, "air boss" Dave Schultz. He said Mr. Schultz, who was air boss of Sheppard's 2005 Air Show, brought experience and continuity to planning this year's event. Colonel Harris said there were three primary goals in preparing for the air show: show off the Air Force's capabilities, take advantage of a great recruiting opportunity and thank the local community for their support with a free event. German Air Force Maj. Mike Lange, 89th Flying Training Squadron, the show's military air boss, said the task of coordinating almost 80 different aircraft has been one of the most difficult challenges he's faced. The major and his team have worked hard to ensure Sheppard and the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program was represented at the 2007 air show. When attendees first enter the air show proper, they'll be greeted by two T-37 Tweets and two T-38C Talons. There will also be a Sheppard "fly by" during the show. "(We want to) display what we do every day," he said. In addition to the four training aircraft, Sheppard will also move seven ground instructional training aircraft to the air show ramp. Moving aircraft will start Oct. 18 and continue until the evening prior to the show. Keeping everyone at the air show safe is an important part of air show planning, Colonel Harris said. But 82nd Security Forces Squadron is up to the task. "Security Forces has done this many times," he said. "They've got it down pretty well." Colonel Harris said about 120 trained security forces personnel and augmentees will be on hand to ensure everyone at the air show has a safe time. In addition to the trained personnel at the air show, much has been done to try and prevent incidents ahead of time. A list of items not allowed in the show includes weapons, skateboards, pets, coolers, bags, bikes, backpacks and roller skates/blades. No matter how much is done to make a great air show, it would all be for nothing without the community knowing about it. The air show committee has handed out flyers, posters and post cards to local community establishments in an effort to get the word out. Also, local newspapers and other news outlets have announced the upcoming show. All of the preparation and planning doesn't end with the final aerial demonstration Oct. 20, though. Everything that was set up must come down before Oct. 22 to allow the 80th FTW to resume training. "It's not just the lead up, it's the recovery," Colonel Harris said. "It takes a lot of time and effort." For more information on the Sheppard 2007 Open House and Air Show please visit www.sheppard.af.mil.