NEWS RELEASE
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE, 167th AIRLIFT WING
WEST VIRGINIA AIR NATIONAL GUARD, MARTINSBURG, WV 25401
TELEPHONE NUMBER (304) 616-5023
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
167th Airlift Wing to host 2011 Thunder Over the Blue Ridge
MARTINSBURG – The West Virginia Air National Guard’s 167th Airlift Wing will host the 2011 Thunder Over the Blue Ridge Air Show and Open House here Sept. 17-18.
A variety of military and civilian aerial acts are currently under negotiations to perform during next year’s two-day event. This year the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and United States Army Parachute Team Golden Knights headlined the 2010 Thunder Over the Blue Ridge Air Show and Open House attracting more than 80,000 spectators from around the world.
“We are looking to offer a variety of different aerial acts this year,” said Col. Brian A. Truman, the Wing’s vice commander who also serves as president for Thunder Over the Blue Ridge, Inc.
The Black Daggers, the official United States Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team, have been tapped to perform in next year’s air show. The prestigious demonstration team is comprised of Soldiers assigned to the elite Army Special Operations. The Sky SoldiersDemonstration Team may showcase four legacy AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters.
The Trojan Horsemen, a T-28 Warbird Aerobatic Formation Demonstration Team, have been asked to take to the skies over Martinsburg with six of their vintage World War II aircraft next September. Organizers with Thunder Over the Blue Ridge, Inc. are also eyeing other aerial demonstration performances from the United States Air Force and U.S. Navy.
Civilian aerial acts which proved a hit with crowds this year are expected to return for encore performances with Bill Finagin, Jerry Wells and Scott Yoak taking to the skies. John Klatt, who is sponsored by the Air National Guard, may perform here for the first time as may Paul Jennings from Glider Unlimited. Larry Rutt, “The Voice of Experience” has been tapped again as announcer for next year’s show. Organizers hope to add other aerial acts to the lineup as they become available.
“This year’s air show and open house was a great success and showed our commitment to the community in bringing world-class entertainment here,” said Col. Truman. “It was a great event all around for everyone, especially since we were able to donate $127,000 back to the community.”
Months of preparation and planning went into the development of the 2010 Thunder Over the Blue Ridge Air Show and Open House. Organizers note they are in the preliminary stages for next year’s event, but the goal remains the same.
The Wing’s vice commander said the base plans on hosting another successful venue next year which will open the base to visitors and treat them to a spectacular air show.
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