Going above and beyond: 445th supports air show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert Nelson
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The 445th Airlift Wing helped make sparks fly during the Vectren Dayton Air Show at the Dayton International Airport July 23-24.

Airmen in uniform proudly showed support for the event with static displays of a C-5 Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III, as well as demonstrations of life-saving techniques aboard an aircraft.

"I believe this is an important opportunity for the Wing to be able to show the kind of work our Airmen do every day," said Col. Stephen Goeman, 445th Airlift Wing commander. "We enjoy sharing with the community how we operate to accomplish our mission."

The 89th Airlift Squadron and the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron gave tours of the aircraft to visitors, explaining and demonstrating how the wing performs its mission on a daily basis.

"Many people are interested in aircraft and learning more about them because it gives them the opportunity to see first-hand what kind of contributions their tax-payer's dollars are doing for their country," said Tech. Sgt. Travis Egger, 89th AS C-5 loadmaster.

When the general public hears the words, "Air Force," the first career they may think of is an Air Force pilot. But Airmen are serving in multifaceted careers all over the world, working together as a team to fly, fight and win - in air, space and cyberspace.

"I think it's important to educate the public about the wing because many visitors have asked me about the role of the Air Force Reserve and I'm glad I have this opportunity to be able to share with them to help gain support for the military," said Senior Airman Andrew Protsman, 445th AES technician. "A lot of people are more knowledgeable about the Reserves after this event and they enjoy seeing what we do."

Airman Protsman says the best part of his day during the air show was having the honor to give an autograph to a small, young boy.

"I was taken back in awe and honored to be asked for my autograph for the first time in my life because I couldn't believe, of all people, he wanted 'my' autograph," Protsman said. "Experiences like this makes me feel proud to serve, knowing I can make a difference."