JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The 446th Airlift ‘Rainier’ Wing performed two flyovers, a Seattle Seahawks flag detail and an Aeromedical Evacuation static display as part of supporting local Veterans Day activities.
The City of Auburn held a Veterans Day Parade, and thousands of onlookers were able to enjoy a perfectly timed flyover performed by the 728th Airlift Squadron from the Rainier Wing that marked the start of the parade.
2016 marked the 51st year of the parade, and it included support from nearly 6,000 parade participants, including 30 high school marching bands, military vehicles, veterans' units, honor guards and more.
“Reservists have unique ties to the local community because that is where many of them live and work while serving in the military,” said Col. Scott McLaughlin, 446th AW commander. “We are so fortunate to have such a supportive community. Being able to participate in events thanking veterans for their service is truly an honor.”
Five Citizen Airmen were able to participate in a flag detail honoring military members during Monday’s Seattle Seahawks game.
For one member from the Rainier Wing, it was a moment he’ll always cherish.
“The experience was once in a lifetime,” said Tech. Sgt. John Wentworth, 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron technician. “To be on the field and hear the twelfth man fans make the stadium roar was amazing.”
The University of Washington’s Salute to Veterans pre-game celebrations were also supported with a flyover. All of the pilots performing the flyover are University of Washington ROTC alumni, and during the game, they were introduced to the crowd.
For Maj. Jason Wilbur, 728th AS aircraft commander and executive officer, planned and performed the flyover, the event marked a first for the unit and for him. Wilbur graduated from the University of Washington and received his commission from Detachment 910 UW ROTC.
"I couldn't be more excited to be flying over Husky Stadium as a Detachment 910 graduate,” Wilbur said. “It's incredible to think back to my time marching along that same field as an ROTC cadet, and then reflect on all experiences I've had since then serving in the Air Force. It's a special honor to now be piloting the C-17 overhead the game during a week recognizing our nation's Veterans."
Wilbur is a Traditional Reservist and works as a senior product manager with Amazon Web Services.