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In honor of nation's armed forces...
The sound of jet engines caught people's attention as they quickly focused their attention skyward as a pair of F-15E Strike Eagles soared over Mountain Home on Saturday. It took just a matter of seconds before both fighters disappeared from sight as the crowd applauded.
The flyover signaled the start of a local tradition as thousands of people in Mountain Home paused to pay tribute to the nation's military. Celebrating its 56th anniversary, Air Force Appreciation Day represents one way the local community honors those who serve this nation.
"AFAD is a representation of hometown America -- what America stands for and what it means to be an American," said Col. Jefferson O'Donnell, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
"It's phenomenal what this local community does," said State Senator Bert Brackett, who represents Elmore County. "I've never seen such support, and we need to be proud of this tradition."
This year's festivities unofficially kicked off Friday evening during a corn shucking event attended by local civic members and representatives from the nearby Air Force base. It took several minutes for the teams of volunteers to peel the husks off the nearly 4,000 ears of corn specifically set aside for Saturday's barbecue.
Among the youngest volunteers helping that evening was Camden Morgan-Jones, who seemed fascinated at what she saw as she slowly peeled back the husks on an ear of corn given to her by her parents.
In between those evening chores, running enthusiasts gathered on North 10th East Street to begin another tradition during this year's Air Force Appreciation Day fun run and walk races. With more than 70 people signed up that evening, a portion of the proceeds raised that day directly benefitted 208 CARES -- a non-profit organization builds specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for disabled Idaho veterans, said Jim Steelsmith, one of this year's event co-chairs.
While the dollars continued to come in that evening, Steelsmith estimated that the effort had already raised more than $1,500 for the charity. In addition, a portion of those funds will benefit local scholarship programs.
The race featured a one-mile course for children with a five-kilometer route for adult participants.
Hannah Houser finished first in the children's race. She admitted that she kept pace with her friend, Amelia McCarthy, "and then I wanted to do faster and finish it (the race) good," said Houser, who decided to sprint those last few yards.
McCarthy admitted she would've also sprinted at the end of the race if it wasn't for one thing.
"I wish my shoe wasn't untied," she said.
As the adults prepared to run that evening, a group of well wishers held up banners in honor of Marie Jetley. At age 82, she was the oldest participant in Friday's run.
AFAD moved into high gear early Saturday as people began lining the parade route. Among the early birds that morning was Linda Fentress and her family, who set up their chairs in a shady spot along American Legion Boulevard at 8 a.m.
"We come back for this each year," said Fentress, who is currently stationed at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., with her husband.
The couple was stationed at the local Air Force base for 13 years before they got orders for their next assignment. Each September, they return to Mountain Home to visit with their son and daughter as well as their four grandchildren.
"I come back every year for AFAD because I love this town, and I love the Air Force," she said.
Christina Leonard and her son, Lee, were among those new to the AFAD experience. The family moved to Mountain Home from Kadena Air Base, Japan, in February.
"We read about it in the newspaper, and our friend told us about it, too," Leonard said. "It sounded like fun, so we figured we'd take a look."
People like Monte Larsen admit that the parade is a personal tradition of sorts.
"I've been coming to AFAD for many, many years, and my favorite part is seeing all the military and watching how the community supports them," Larsen said.
While most of those at the parade were from the Mountain Home area, Alec Reynolds and his wife, Johnna, made the trek from their home in Kuna.
"I heard is was a big deal and brought my family out to see what it was all about. Holy cow! This is great," Alec Reynolds said.
In year's past, A-10 Thunderbolts from the Idaho Air National Guard at Gowen Field in Boise would conduct the traditional parade route flyover. But with the Guard unit currently deployed, members of the 391st Fighter Squadron at the local Air Force base stepped up to continue the tradition.
"The guys are really excited to do that," O'Donnell said regarding the flyover.
The colonel, who took command of the Gunfighters earlier this year, appreciated seeing the community's outpouring of support for the base and Air Force.
"I like it when I'm riding on the float and seeing the excitement with all the kids, who are waving (American) flags," O'Donnell said. "I'm happy to be there."
Events like Air Force Appreciation Day don't go unnoticed by Air Force leaders, the colonel added. The community's enthusiasm was one of the factors that allowed the base to secure funding for various community improvements.
Saturday's processions of vehicles and floats ran roughly the same length as previous years with several entries added to the roster at the last minute, according to parade chairwoman Ann Taggart.
"What a beautiful day for a parade," said Col. Andrew Moore, 366th Medical Group commander, as he stepped off his parade float and stepped into the reviewing stand at the end of the parade route.
Each of this year's parade participants had the chance to earn recognition by the judges in the reviewing stand as well as members of the local community. Ultimately, it was the Buccaneers of the 428th Fighter Squadron that once again swept the competition, earning the judges' choice award and top military entry along with this year's people's choice title.
The squadron, which trains aircrews from the Republic of Singapore air force, rolled a scaled-down pirate ship down the streets of Mountain Home. Among the ship's passengers were a pair of Chinese dragons that members of the squadron brought to "life" for the crowd.
Following the parade, thousands of people packed into Carl Miller Park to check out all of the festivities. Many were in line for a free barbecue lunch served by a team of volunteers from the base and community.
Others at the park spent the afternoon checking out the multitude of vendors. Many sold food and beverages while others carried trinkets and other treasures.
Meanwhile, children like Kaiden Blahus were checking out other attractions in the park. The 12 year old tried his hand at being a rodeo cowboy as he rode a mechanical bull before he was thrown from his saddle and ended up landing unceremoniously on the padded mat.
Nearby, Brayden Putnam got a chance to participate in a form of training involving members of the 366th Security Forces Squadron. Using a padded club, the 12-year-old used it to smack Senior Airman Zachary Ibach, who was wearing a suit of padded armor that absorbed the impacts.
The Red Man demonstration showed children the types of non-lethal self defense techniques these security forces troops are taught to use against aggressive individuals, said Senior Airman Ryan Demers.
"Plus the kids love it," Demers said.