By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
It might just be the perfect remedy for all of us who haven’t been able to get out.
Preparation is well underway for the Sound of Speed Air Show at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph in May of next year.
Air Show Executive Director Owen Compton is excited to welcome the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds back to Rosecrans.
“This will be their first time back to Rosecrans Field since 1993, pre-flood,” Compton tells St. Joseph Post. “And, so, we have been working with them to get them back and this is their opportunity to come back and show St. Joe and the region what the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are all about.”
Compton says while excitement is building with the public for the air show, it also is building for the performers, who haven’t been able to put on air shows this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
St. Joseph Aviation General Manager Abe Forney says it just might come at just the right time for St. Joseph area residents who haven’t been able to get out.
“Everybody’s been cooped up,” Forney says. “They’re ready to get out and see something that is patriotic, see something that’s good for the community.”
Forney says organizers hope the pandemic will be behind us by then, but if it is not, pains are being taken to make the air show professional and safe.
Forney says the airshow also gives St. Joseph a chance to showcase Rosecrans.
“Not only do we have the 139th Airlift Wing out there that provides over $200 million annually to the economy, but we also have a lot of industries that fly in and out of there,” Forney says. “It’s not often seen by our community how important the airport is.”
The Sound of Speed Air Show is scheduled to come to Rosecrans May 1st and 2nd.