48°F
weather icon Clear
Boulder City, NV
Chuck N. Baker

Aviation Nation returns

By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter
July 6, 2016 - 12:41 pm
 

Good news for Air Force veterans and aviation fans in general. After abandoning what had become a favorite annual event in Nevada, Nellis Air Force Base will again host Aviation Nation.

Last year’s cancellation was because of financial cutbacks in federal spending. But now things have seemingly turned around and Washington has located marketing cash under its mattress. (I wish they would tell me the secret of doing that!)

Boulder City will have an opportunity to be directly involved in the event and could garner some positive public relations.

At a lunch several weeks ago sponsored by the Civilian Military Council of Southern Nevada, spokesman Robert Jones announced that the air show and open house event is scheduled for Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 12-13. Planning is still in the beginning stages, but the official overall theme will be to honor “75 Years of Air Power in Southern Nevada.”

Jones said that Aviation Nation has been and this year will continue to be the largest free event in the Silver State. He added that in 2014, 176,000 attendees were counted, and a majority of those individuals were tourists. This year, the plan calls for 200,000 guests, with a strong economic impact on the community.

“Nellis (and nearby Creech Air Base) grew with the community,” Jones said. He said the financial impact of the facilities each year totals in the millions of dollars, and the air show amplifies the entire region to those who visit from other states.

This year, local governments will have the chance to host historical displays at the show and hand out promotional information about their cities and city events. Displays will need to be staffed and fully self-contained, and will be housed inside one of the hangars on the field where the entire event will take place. Hopefully, Boulder City will consider taking advantage of the opportunity to present the positive aspects of the town to thousands of tourists from all over the world.

Jones outlined some of the events that will be included at the show: Thunderbird flights, Navy tactical demonstrations, pyrotechnics, static displays, drone demonstrations, a kid’s zone, planes including the F-18 Super Hornet, the F-35 and F-22 Super Raptor and vintage warbirds. Jones said the 75th anniversary theme will honor the dynamic history of American air power and will stress three of the current missions of the Air Force: testing, tactics and training.

For information on planning a display, contact gerald.white@us.af.mil.

Memorial Day

This past May the local veterans cemetery again held a moving ceremony on Memorial Day honoring those men and women who served the nation and who have their last resting place in Boulder City. Sponsored by the Nevada Veterans Foundation, speakers included Peggy W. Kerns, director of the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, and Kathleen Dussault, deputy director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services. The Boulder City Veterans Pilot Group performed a flyover in the traditional missing man formation over the Walk of Life outside the cemetery chapel.

I have no doubt that Mayor Rod Woodbury and other city officials have deep respect for the veterans community, but I was saddened to observe that when host Richard B. Small called out individuals and governments for recognition, no Boulder City officials were seemingly present.

Local veterans groups that directly participated included the Catholic War Veterans, Jewish War Veterans, Scottish-American Military Society and Disabled American Veterans. Many other fine organizations (too many to mention) also had a hand in the ceremony, and a contingent of senior veterans from the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City was included. Local plans are being made for a public celebration at the home on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Chuck N. Baker is an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a Purple Heart recipient. Every other Sunday he discusses veterans issues over several Lotus Broadcasting AM radio stations in Southern Nevada.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
Veteran uses talents to help other veterans
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter

Robert Serge served in the United States Navy for 20 months as part of an ordnance laboratory test facility. As he puts it, “We designed harbor mines and stuff like that.”

Holistic treatments help many veterans
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter

Last year in one of my columns, I briefly discussed holistic medicine and efforts that the Department of Veterans Affairs had been taking to include such treatments in its care of veterans. Since then, the VA has made some additional efforts to include nontraditional treatments.

Gallery helps veterans explore their feelings through art
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter

Artist and businesswoman Chris Frausto used to reside in Boulder City and owned an art gallery here. It was located on a corner, so it was not considered unusual when she named it the Corner Gallery.

bcr default image
Burns’ Vietnam documentary explores ‘truths’ about war
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter

The Vietnam War. The conflict is burned into the minds of millions of Americans — those who fought in it, civilians who lived through the 1960s, historians, journalists, photographers and filmmakers.

Vets’ families find compassion at home away from home
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter

When veterans and active-duty military personnel need help, it’s very common for other veterans and service people to step up to lend their collective hands. Providing assistance to their fellow brothers and sisters is ingrained in the hearts and minds of America’s military culture.

Ex-Tunnel Rat appreciates ‘penthouse’ lifestyle
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter

Boulder City is currently the home of a veteran whose name is “Fearless.” When someone’s name is “Fearless” it could either be a satirical reference, or it could mean that it’s someone who is in reality a very tough individual. In the case of Fearless Fredy King, it’s the latter definition.

USO helps military as they travel, return to civilian life
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter

The general public knows the combination of letters “USO.” Many even know the type of work the USO is involved in. But if one were to ask those individuals what the letters stand for, and where the organization is located in Southern Nevada, the answer might just involve a blank stare unless the person being questioned is involved with the local military or veterans community.

Teacher’s brush with fame included astronaut
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter

Veteran John Glenn was known by most Americans and indeed was internationally famous. Most Americans also know that Glenn died in December at age 95.

Honor Flight offers awe-inspiring experience
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter

Many individuals, especially those who follow issues concerning veterans, have more than likely heard of the Honor Flight Network. The mission of the group is to honor select veterans, especially those who served in World War II, by taking them on all-expense-paid excursions to Washington, D.C., to visit military memorials.

Nevada celebrates veterans’ achievements
By Chuck N. Baker Veterans Reporter

Southern Nevada resident and former Army Sgt. Richard “Dick” L. Moyer was presented with a Bronze Star Medal with a “V” for valor this month for his heroic efforts during the Vietnam War.