Air Show offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Published Oct. 18, 2007 By Col. Kris Beasley 82nd Training Wing vice commander SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- For anyone who wears the blue uniform, this weekend is a once-in-a-lifetime chance you should not miss. We've all seen Air Shows before, but this one offers a rare opportunity--to get up close and personal with every aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory, from the modern C-17 to the cutting-edge F-22. Speaking of the F-22, if you've never seen one fly, you're in for a special treat. This aircraft can do things no other jet can, and it's an awesome feeling to watch it and realize you're part of an organization that brings such an awesome weapon system to the fight. There is truly nothing like it in the world. If that's not enough for you, how about a chance to see the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber fly? Or the F-117? Or the CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor? If your taste leans more to the historical, we'll have some of World War II's top fighters, including the P-51 Mustang, the P-47 Thunderbolt and the F4U Corsair. Plus, you can see one of the original Army Air Service aircraft, the Curtiss J4-D Jenny, in one of only a handful of flying performances given in the world. If you're still not convinced that you should spend your Saturday at the Air Show, consider the opportunity to meet and talk with the Tuskegee Airmen. Not only were these men great Airmen who helped win the air war in Europe, they were also pioneers who helped lay the foundation of today's Air Force. Finally, come out because this is your Air Show--your Air Force, your team. Bring your family and friends and show them what it means to be an American Airman. Gates open at 9 a.m., and flying starts at 11 a.m. For more information, go to www.sheppard.af.mil.