As the team looks forward to the FAST (Formation and Air Safety Team) clinic in Sheboygan Wisconsin I’d like to look back and fill you in on the fun we have had so far this summer.

We kicked off the season with a return engagement at the MCAS Cherry Point air show.  After persevering through 104 degree temps last year we welcomed the opportunity to return.  This year the heat was off and the rain turned on, but it did not stop record crowds from coming to see a GREAT diverse group of performers headlined by the Canadian forces Snowbirds.  The folks at Cherry Point really appreciate our mission to support the Veterans Airlift Command and honor our veterans and we look forward to working with them again next year.  As we waited for the rain to end so we could depart for home the Canadians instigated a game of Crud…..US vs. Canada.  (The Canadian invented the crazy game).  I’m proud to say that one of my Trojan Horsemen team mates was the last “man” standing and took the crown!!  Way to go “Flash”.

Our next stop was Wheeler Sack Army Airfield, Ft. Drum NY.  This is home to the 10^th Mountain Division…the most deployed unit in the US military.  We met many young families who have sacrificed so much for our country.  The VAC continues to provide air transportation for these families in need and we are honored to fly and promote this organization.  This was the second year for the Ft. Drum show and the far exceeded the attendance projections.  They have already received the go ahead for a show next year.

The Trojan Horsemen celebrated the Fourth of July in Traverse City Michigan.   The National Cherry Festival Air show is held over the waters of the west bay.  It was probably the most beautiful setting for an air show that I have ever seen.  Crystal clear Caribbean blue water, blue, blue skies and a HUGE crowd.  The air show is just one event of a week long festival celebrating the Cherry harvest.  We sampled such unique treats as cherry salsa, cherry bar-b-que, cherry mustard, chocolate covered cherries, cherry pies....I didn't know you could make so many things with cherries.  We flew the local media around the bay area and the Cherry Queen and her court were photographed on the wing of one of the Trojan Horsemen airplanes. 

As mentioned our next stop is Sheboygan WI.  This is the 60^th anniversary of the T-28 and we expect a large turnout. About 30 aircraft plan take part in the FAST clinic.  This is an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other.  The Trojan Horsemen use this as an opportunity to practice new maneuvers, welcome new members and fine tune our performance.  This year the T-28’s will be practicing for our mass formation arrival into Oshkosh on Monday and the all T-28 Warbird show on Wednesday.  The Trojan Horsemen are scheduled to appear on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday as part of the Warbird show.

This is only the midpoint of the season….we still have more to come.