Volk Field hosts open house

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stephen Montgomery
  • 115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Volk Field, Wis. --  Low clouds and uncertain weather didn't keep the crowds away as Volk Field opened its doors during its biennial open house and air show, giving the public a chance to see what the Air National Guard is all about.

Even with the weather as it was, approximately 3,000 visitors showed up to see the show that featured performers from across the country.

"It's a great way to foster the relationship with the community and to help them better understand what we do here," said Volk Field Director of Operations Lt. Col. Steve Dunai.

There was a Madison-based F-16 Falcon and a Milwaukee-based KC-135 Stratotanker as well as a static display by the 128th Air Control Squadron.

Building and growing the relationship with the local community was one of the key goals of the open house.

"We are proud to be located where we are and this is one way to give back to our neighbors," said Chief Master Sgt. Gregory Cullen, Volk airfield manager. "It's an affordable way to have fun and enjoy the day."

Another aspect of the open house was a fly-in for general aviation pilots and an aviation safety seminar hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. There were 145 pre-registered aircraft for the fly-in, some coming from as far as Milwaukee and Green Bay, but due to weather only 20 aircraft were able to make it in.

Some of the pilots flying in were there for the seminar, while others came for "the experience of landing on a military base," said Chief Cullen - something that few civilian pilots ever get to experience.

The air show featured both military and civilian performers and static displays, including the Viper East F-16 Demo Team, the 101st Airborne Parachute Team, a B-25 Mitchell Bomber, F-86 Sabre Jet and T-6A Texan II as well as displays by the Juneau County Dive Team and the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.