Six Flags raises Air Force flag

  • Published
  • By Col. David Talley and Tech. Sgt. James Branch
  • Public Affairs
Guests at Six Flags Over Georgia experienced more than just thrilling rides July 7, when Airmen from Dobbins Air Reserve Base gave them an historic glimpse of the Army Air Corps' transformation into today's U.S. Air Force.

Mixing history with entertainment, the event was one of many events sponsored by the Dobbins Airmen as part of their Air Force 60th Anniversary events in Atlanta.

"The city of Atlanta is doing an outstanding job in celebrating our heritage and telling the Air Force story," said Col. Benjamin Hulsey, 60th Anniversary Task Force office, Headquarters, Air Force, Washington D.C., who spoke during the opening ceremony. "I'm so glad that I could spend the day with the people we so proudly serve."

Guests received a blue Air Force passport that provided a snapshot of six Air Force venues featured in the park: U.S. Army Air Corps; Tuskegee Airmen; Berlin Airlift; Korean War; Vietnam War; Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm; and Space Command.

At each one, an Airman stamped the book and provided a quick fact about that respective venue. Those guests who visited all the venues received a gift from Six Flags at the end of their visit.

Displays included a Civil Air Patrol ground search vehicle; a Mini-C-17 and C-130; the Air Force Reserve Jet Car and Air Force Recruiting Mini-F-22 Raptor.

Hands-on displays were very popular, especially the weapons display from the 94th Security Forces Squadron. The unit set up a display that featured an assortment of weapons as well as night vision goggles, field phones, flak vests, helmets, and chemical warfare gear.

"Of all of the booths we visited today, my sons made sure that we spent lots of time at the Security Forces display," said Robyn Larsen, a park guest. "They were amazed by all of the sophisticated scopes and devices that they use. They were also thrilled about spending time and taking pictures with the troops."

According to Master Sgt. Terry Wilson, 94th Security Forces supervisor, most guests were surprised by the amount of gear the Airmen had to deploy with. "This is a great opportunity for them to learn what we have as a unit," he said. "Overall, we appeal to the younger kids," he added, gesturing towards a nearby table where a boy slipped on a Kevlar vest.

Young children were also the focus in Kiddie Land, with its Space Command exhibit. At first, the contrast between high-tech and cartoon characters seemed rather odd.

'Kids love to hear about the Air Force's role in air and space technology," said Maj. Mark A Jordan, 94th Operations Group, who was previously assigned to NORAD. "We live in a digital world. The parents are amazed to learn the Air Force pioneered much of the technology they use everyday.

"The kids are intrigued by our member in the space suit'" said Jordan, looking towards the exhibit's spaceman filled by Master Sgt. Woodly Ward, Transportation Proficiency Center. As Sergeant Ward entertained the kids, Senior Airman Anthony Toste and Air Force ROTC Cadet Jackie Smith signed the passports and gave parents a quick fact about Space Command's role with the GPS system found in many cars today.

Entertainment included the Vintage Vocals, a local singing trio that sang many songs made popular during WWII by the Andrews Sisters ("The Boogey Woogey Bugle Boy of Company B") and the Air Force Reserve Pipe Band from Warner-Robins AFB, Ga.

But Air Force heritage was very much a part of the program, too. Airmen wearing vintage uniforms from WW II, the Korean and Vietnam wars walked among the crowds while former members of the Tuskegee Airmen, two former POWs (Germany and Japan) and veterans of the Korean and Vietnam War shared their remarkable stories with guests.

Sgt. Donald Scott, a former B-17 Radio Gunner for the 388th Bomber Group, displayed drinking cups and silverware he hand-made while held as a POW in Germany during World War II.

"I've had a great time talking to everyone, especially the children," said Scott. "I've been welcomed home a lot today; so much different than it was a long time ago. I feel that my fellow service members are getting the love and respect that they deserve."

Original Tuskegee Airmen from the Atlanta Chapter were also on hand to share their knowledge and to celebrate their part in the heritage of the Air Force.

"I had to stop by this booth and show my gratitude and support to the Tuskegee Airmen," said Graham Washington Jackson III, a park guest. "My father is a member of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Atlanta Chapter. I want to join the U.S. Air Force, become a pilot and continue their proud tradition for years to come."

The day ended with a brief ceremony near the Tuskegee Airmen tent. As park patrons stopped to watch, the bagpipe band played Amazing Grace, the 94th AW Honor Guard held a POW/MIA and a flag-folding ceremony.

According to Master Sgt. David Williams, project officer, the event was a huge success because of the volunteers from Team Dobbins plus the Air Force Veterans and one Marine who stepped up to the plate.

"While the day was muggy and over cast day, everyone kept a smiling face while telling the Air Forces story," he said. "I talked with the Tuskegee Airman and the Viet Nam veterans, and they all were astounded by the people who wanted to hear their stories."

"Even if we reached ten percent of those who were interested in what we were doing, it was worth coming out here today," said Master Sgt. Margaret Merritt, 94th Logistics Readiness Squadron, who assisted with the POW/MIA display.

"Today was a good day," said Master Sgt. Cynthia Cropper, trainer for the 94th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. "The chance to spend time and work beside our veterans made it worth the trip."

"I get goose bumps when I hear stories of sacrifice and dedication to our country and to our Air Force," she said. "They represent the true meaning of 'service before self'."