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434th ARW tanker and crew support Ft. Wayne air show

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Ben Mota
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs

It’s often said that practice makes perfect, and if that’s the case the 434th Air Refueling Wing is leaning in the right direction as it moves closer the Grissom Air & Space Expo, supporting another air show along the way.

Two KC-135 Stratotanker’s and 15 Airmen from the 434th ARW participated in the 122nd Fighter Wing air show in Fort Wayne, Indiana, June 8-9.

“Having our Airmen support the Fort Wayne air show was a no-brainer,” said Col. Larry Shaw 434th ARW commander. “We not only show the reserve partnership in the state, but it also let our staff see what parts of their event we can incorporate into ours.”

During the show the one tanker provided formation flights with the 122nd FW A-10 Warthogs while the other tanker sat as a static display for visitors throughout the event.

“Indiana Hoosiers are extremely patriotic and love seeing our aircraft,” said Col. Brian Hollis, 434th Operations Group commander who was part of the team supporting the show. “From open to close we had a full line of people waiting to get in the tanker and speak with the Airmen supporting the show.”

Echoing that Hoosier pride and patriotism, Shaw expressed his willingness to showcase the wing at any given opportunity.

“I always take great pride in showing off our aircraft,” said Shaw. “We have some of the best tankers in the Air Force and those aircraft are a testament to the hard work and dedication from the Airmen at the Hoosier Wing.”

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The Citizen Airmen from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Douglas Hays
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Josh Weaver
Public affairs operations chief

Master Sgt. Josh Weaver
NCOIC of public affairs

Master Sgt. Rachel Barton
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Alexis Morris
Staff writer

Airman 1st Class Elise Faurote
Staff writer