April was an exciting time to be in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
First, we were treated to almost two minutes of a total solar eclipse on April 8. It was amazing to be outside and go from brilliant sunshine to almost total darkness and back to total sunshine in less than 10 minutes. The only reason it wasn’t totally dark was because of the solar-powered lights we have on our fences and as landscape decorations.
I was surprised at the way the temperature dropped during the eclipse. I have a new respect and appreciation for solar energy and solar warmth.
Then I had the opportunity to attend the Wings over Cowtown Air Show at the Naval Air Station- Joint Reserve Base (NAS-JRB) in Fort Worth. Air shows had been a bi-annual event, but this is the first air show in eight years, taking place on April 13-14. Each day, 5,000 free parking passes were issued to the general public and free shuttles were offered from a nearby shopping mall. On base, there was an estimated attendance of 25,000 people on Saturday and 30,000 people on Sunday. Thousands of other people watched the skies from outside the base.
Both military and civilian aircraft participated in activities on the ground and in the air. Some runways became home to ground displays of a variety of aircraft from every branch of military service.
For instance, you could see Chinook CH-47 helicopters that have been used by both the Army and the Marines for more than 50 years. The Marines also brought a Super Huey, the Bell UH-1Y and Bell AH-1Z helicopters. The Coast Guard’s MH-65 helicopter was also on display. Some helicopters took to the air to show their flying capabilities.
Other planes at the show were the A10 Warthog, the B1B bomber, the B52 bomber, C130 and the F18. Some planes still being used today have been in service more than 50 years.
The highlight of the show was the performance by the Blue Angels.
In addition to the large variety of aircraft to be seen both on the ground and in the air, Lockheed Martin provided a tent with F-35 Simulators.
A Kids Zone included games and activities for all ages. Food vendors were set up so no one would go hungry. It was a fantastic event.
Before the Blue Angels took to the air, the Commander of the Naval Air Station, Captain Beau Hufstetler, recognized the two people who coordinated the day’s activities. The first person he mentioned was Naperville native, Commander Thomas Kuhrt. Perhaps growing up in Naperville gave Commander Kuhrt wonderful examples of how to make large events fun.
Of course, I got to thinking. How many towns offer their citizens a Memorial Day Parade to honor our fallen heroes, a Fourth of July celebration to honor our heritage and a Last Fling to honor the value of hard work?
Have a great summer!
Editor’s Note / According to the National Weather Service and many other news reports, very heavy rainfall has impacted much of North and Central Texas the first week in May. Flash flooding and rescues have been concerns, and public safety warnings are expected amid an unsettled forecast, a deep contrast to April.
