An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Civil Air Patrol at Skyfest 2008

  • Published
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Cadets and Officers from six squadrons, two states and two regions of the Civil Air Patrol attended Skyfest 2008, Fairchild's open house and airshow, to assist the Air Force in crowd control and hospitality services the weekend of Aug. 9 -10.

During the airshow, precision aerobatics by the Navy's Blue Angels captivated the hundreds of thousands of spectators in attendance, as did the mock MIG Fury Fighters dog fight. Exhibits and demonstrations ranged from museum-quality aircraft to the latest aircraft in use by the U.S. military.

Civil Air Patrol was privileged to have sole occupancy of a hanger supplied by the Air Force. Four Washington Air National Guard corporate aircraft were on display, along with their pilots, to answer questions about the individual aircraft.

While recruiting and information about the Civil Air Patrol program was the primary emphasis of the display, many visitors recounted their youthful adventures to the cadets. This opportunity to share aviation history sparked bonds between the generations.

Cadets were given the opportunity to practice many of their skills learned with Civil Air Patrol by assisting with flight line management for several of the antique aircraft. Cadets were also responsible for maintaining the radio communications system, promoting the Civil Air Patrol program at the recruitment area, working with the Fairchild's public affairs personnel, maintaining a safe environment for all participants and working as medical staff assistants to ensure attending personnel were in good health.

Due to the outstanding coordination with the command staff, cadets and officers were given time to walk through the airshow premises and examine the various aircraft on display.

This was the first time for several of the cadets to see the planes they have been studying in their aerospace education classes with Civil Air Patrol. One cadet commented, "I didn't realize they were this big. They don't look that big in the pictures."

Sunday, the last day of the event, was topped off with a debriefing and presentation of exceptional service awards.

Lt. Col. Dean Martinez from the Fairchild Composite Squadron was presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award as director of Skyfest 2008 for Civil Air Patrol. Colonel Martinez was also recognized for the work he did at Skyfest 2006.

Lt. Dawn Holbrook from the Yakima Composite Squadron was also presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award. This award was presented for her exceptional devotion to duty as assistant director for Civil Air Patrol at Skyfest 2008.

Capt. Vickie Scholla from the Northern Desert Composite Squadron was presented with a Challenge Coin from the 92nd Maintenance Group commander for her work with Public Affairs and as a go-to person when extra help was needed - from one end of the flight line to the other.

Cadet Alex Riendeau received a Commanders Challenge Coin for his outstanding attention to duty and performance at Skyfest.