Fort Drum is turning 100 years old this year and the 10th Mountain Division geared up to celebrate its centennial with the first large scale air show ever held at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. Held on June 28 and 29, the air show brought an estimated 35,000 to 45,000 spectators to the airfield. Fort Drum represents an important part of the North Country and the air show was its way of saying 'Thank you' for the support to the members of the 10th Mountain Division (LI) at home and abroad. The show exceeded all expectations, even with the challenging weather on Saturday and a not better forecast for Sunday. "The air show was fantastic!" said Col. Kevin W. Mangum, 10th Mountain Division (rear) commander. "As a pilot, I did not think I would be impressed. I was wrong!" added Col. Mangum. The commander was most impressed by the teamwork, can-do attitude and professionalism from everyone involved in the air show. Everybody from the division, the garrison and the community came together to make a wonderful team of dedicated pros.

People attending the air show got an up close look at how each branch of service does what they do and what they do it with. The 10th Mountain Division (LI) Combat Aviation Brigade and one Brigade Combat Team performed a dramatic demonstration of air assault and helicopters flown by the Aviation Brigade were on static display as well. OH-58 Kiowa Warriors, CH-47 Chinook and different versions of UH-60 Blackhawk were open to the public and members from the Aviation Brigade present to answer questions from the public. The air show provided a rare opportunity for many to learn more about the role of the 10th Mountain Division(LI) and its participation in the war against terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. Members of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command executed parachute demonstrations during the air show as well. The USSOCOM Parachute Team includes U.S.Army Special Forces (Green Berets), Rangers and Special Operations Aviators and SEALs. USSOCOM Parachute Team members serve as traveling ambassadors for the U.S.Special Operations Command.

The Air National Guard was well represented by many units displaying their particular mission's aircraft. An F-16C from the 174th FW in Syracuse, NY was parked next to an A-10A from the 111th FW in Willow Grove, PA. The 109th AW from Schenectady, NY was also present with one of their ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules. The 109th flies resupply missions to the North and South Pole in support to the National Science Foundation. The 106th Rescue Wing from Long Island, NY, was also present with one of its HC-130 used for CSAR (Combat Search And Rescue). A huge C-5A Galaxy from the 105th AW in Stewart ANGB, NY, was parked not far from a KC-135R Stratotanker of the 157th ARW/NH ANG based at Newington, NH.

Navy participation was quite small and consisted of two T-45A and one KC-130F from the Marines Corps in Stewart, NY.One KC-10A from McGuire AFB completed the static display of active aircraft for the show. Also on display were some World War II airplanes such as a B-17G and a C-47 from the Yankee Air force and Museum located in Michigan. The Disabled American Veteran's B-25J 'Panchito' was on static display and also took part in the flying display during the weekend.

Air show organizers made sure people had plenty to do and see on the ground, but the main attraction was up above during the weekend! Two jet teams were present. The F-16 Viper East Demo team from Shaw AFB, SC. and the East Coast Super Hornet Demo from NAS Oceana, VA. Civilian formation teams were also up in the air! Among them were the Lima Lima Flying Team with their six T-34s, the Geiko Skytypers with their SNJ Smoke Writers, the Aerostars with their three Yak-52 TW, Red Star and the Dragon- a simulated jet dog fight between a Viper L-29 and a BAC-167 Strikemaster jet. Paul Lopez in his solo acrobatic act in his MX-2. Iron Eagle, a two Christian Eagle bi-plane acrobatic act. Warbirds over Long Island's father and son demo team flying their WWII P-40 and P-51, Gary Rower Vintage Aerobatics and Dan Buchanan- flying colors.

On the ground, spectators got a chance to get up close and personal with aircraft, helicopters, tactical vehicles and military equipment of all kinds on display and talk to their crews. During the weekend, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation featured food and beverage tents, a Children's Fun Zone, midway games and numerous local vendors and exhibitors.

Even if the weather did not always cooperate during the weekend, the air show director was quite pleased with the turn out. "I think we exceeded expectations," said Joe White, Fort Drum Aviation Division chief and air show director. "The weather was an issue on both days, but almost every act was able to perform." Reflecting on some of the weekend's highlights, Joe White talked about the joy of bringing to Fort Drum an opportunity for people to enjoy the art of flying. "The ability to mix so many helicopters and airplanes, and have people touch, sit in, walk through and meet the crews was very gratifying to see. We had veterans here who were absolutely moved by seeing the World War II airplanes. For some, there might not be a chance for them to ever see this again. The Soldiers walking up to the crowd and getting a standing ovation and our helicopters flying by in formation was also great to watch.” said Joe White.

Many Federal and Sates agencies provided help and support; the Jefferson County Emergency Management, the New York State Emergency Management Office, the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State Police, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, the FBI and the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade which offered to provide medevac helicopters as back up. "Without them, this would not have happened," said Jack Lancaster from Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobility and Security.

The air show director would like to see the air show becoming a new North Country tradition for all Fort Drum soldiers to enjoy with their family members. "One of the tough things about this event is that we wanted to do this for our soldiers and families as well as our surrounding neighbors," he said. "I only wish that every soldier and family member could have been here to enjoy this. I think we presented Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division (LI) in a very positive way and we hope this will just strengthen our bond with the community." added Joe White.

Special thanks to SFC Daniel Carr from 10th CAB and Mr. Joe White for their support during the air show.