Wisconsin Soldiers, Airmen display aviation assets at AirVenture 2011

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue

Wisconsin National Guard

The event referred to as the "World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" takes place in the heart of the badger state, so naturally the Wisconsin National Guard would be on hand to take part in the fun and celebration.

Soldiers and Airmen from across the state converged on AirVenture 2011 from July 25-31 in Oshkosh to display their own aviation assets during the 59th annual event, which incorporates more than 10,000 flying platforms and draws nearly 250,000 visitors each year.

"We're not here in a recruiting mode, but, when we put the uniform on it gives us the opportunity to tell the National Guard story," said Lt. Col. David Tessmer, mission support group director and comptroller at Volk Field Air National Guard Base.

While Soldiers from the 135th Aviation Regiment are currently flying UH-60 Black Hawk missions in Iraq, another Wisconsin Army Guard helicopter unit was able to unveil one of the Army's newest helicopters - the UH-72A Lakota.

Landing with less than 50 flight hours and with a look noticeably different than the Black Hawk, the Lakota attracted many spectators.

Ronald Schleicher, of Big Bend, Wis., was drawn to the Lakota's unique appearance. While initially inquiring about the helicopters' capabilities, he walked away with a better understanding of the Wisconsin National Guard's stateside mission.

"Whenever there's a catastrophe, these guys are around to assist with patients, and that's a very nice thing to have," Schleicher said.

That's exactly what the Lakota crew was looking for from their AirVenture visit.

"I think after people talk to us they start to realize, 'the Wisconsin National Guard doesn’t just stay in Wisconsin, they help out everywhere,'" said Chief Warrant Officer Dirk Brandt, UH-72A pilot. "I think being out here is beneficial to the public's perception of the Guard."

Airmen from the 128th Air Refueling Wing offered tours of a KC-135 Stratotanker while flight personnel from the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing displayed an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Soldiers from the 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion showed many unfamiliar spectators around the RQ-7 Shadow 200, the unmanned aerial vehicle often mistakenly referred to as a Predator or a drone.

"We just get clobbered with people as soon as we get the Shadow out here," said Pfc. Waylon Brunsell. "People just start crowding."

Other Wisconsin Guard members promoted Wisconsin Guard aviation in different ways.

Master Sgt Angela Koberle, Volk Field Air National Guard Base deputy airfield manager, utilized AirVenture to address many general aviation community members about flying safety concerning military aircraft and restricted air space.

"We want to ensure general aviation aircraft aren't running into our aircraft and this is a great venue to get our information out," Koberle said. "Safety is our primary goal."

Airmen from the 128th ARW brought their expertise in aircraft parking ramp procedures to assist with ground operations for the week. The team of four aircraft maintainers brought Air National Guard equipment and helped move nearly 300 airplanes to set up the event and stayed busy throughout the week towing and providing logistical support to countless aircraft in the Conoco Phillips Plaza.

"I like seeing the old war birds like the B-29 - it's not often you get to help move something like that," said Master Sgt. Matt Kuspa, inspection section supervisor for the 128th.

Many of the Wisconsin Soldiers and Airmen working EAA agreed - work and play at EAA go hand-in-hand.

"I love to be out here talking about our mission, but a lot of times, people are telling their stories too," Brunsell said. "It's all around good for everyone."