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Second to None: Flyers first in family fun

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Steven Bergstrom
  • 2nd Airlift Squadron
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  For most people, the weekend brings a welcome relief from anything work related. However, for the men and women of the 2nd Airlift Squadron, this weekend was a time for training, volunteering and celebrating. 

"As a commander, I'm a proud papa this weekend," said Lt. Col. Howard Ward, 2nd Airlift Squadron commander. "We did the three things we do best this weekend: Fly planes, grow leaders and make history. We showed the public in several different venues what our C-130s and our people are capable of. We gave others an appreciation for this airplane and inspired some people to join the Air Force." 

Saturday morning started off with a squadron combination flyover of the North Carolina State University vs. Wake Forest football game and the North Carolina State Fair. The 2nd AS crew --Capt. Dan Bauer, Capt. Ryan Harvey, Capt. Jason Bast, Staff Sgt. Joe Cordova and Airman 1st Class Matt Converse -- demonstrated "Second to None" precision in executing the flyover. More than 50,000 cheering fans were in attendance for the "Military Appreciation Day" to see the flyover as the N.C. State players took the field. 

The same crew also participated in a combined arms demonstration at the Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., "Wings over Wayne" Air Show Oct. 15. The C-130 flew with two Pope A-10s from the 74th Fighter Squadron, led by Capt. Glenn Ott; four Seymour Johnson AFB F-15Es; and one AT-38 from Moody AFB, Ga. in a simulated airfield seizure. While the fighters secured the field, the A-10s provided air escort for the C-130 to perform a simulated personnel airdrop. The Herk then demonstrated its' tactical capabilities with a 500-feet-above-ground-level pass at 250 knots, a hard break left and an assault landing. The C-130 left the air show with an assault takeoff. 

Airman 1st Class Ernest McCormick, 2nd AS loadmaster, organized seven squadron loadmasters to assist the Fayetteville area Habitat for Humanity. The Deuce loadmasters helped out a local Fayetteville family by putting the finishing touches on a newly constructed home's exterior. Work included installing vinyl siding along the front porch, a new screen door on the back entryway, and various other cleanup and repairs. 

"It was an extremely gratifying experience to help a family in need," said Airman McCormick. 

To end the weekend, the Deuce celebrated all the holidays that will be missed while deployed, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine's Day. Capts. Jamie Crossler and Felicia Rodda organized the "Fall Potluck," held at Gross Farms in Sanford, which brought the families together for hayrides, corn mazes, family pictures and some good wholesome fun. 

"This was our last pre-deployment family event, the last time to get the whole family, including our non-uniform family, together before we leave," Colonel Ward said.
"For some this is their sixth, seventh or eighth rotation over in the desert," the commander said.