Airmen, mini C-17 support AF Falcons

by Senior Airman Bobby Pilch
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/30/2011 - WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Despite frigid temperatures and a winter rainstorm stretching from Joint Base Charleston, S.C. to Washington, D.C., nothing was going to stop the mini C-17 Globemaster III and its team from their mission at the 2011 Military Bowl at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Wednesday Dec. 28.

Reservists from the 315th Airlift Wing traveled from JB CHS to the stadium to showcase the mini C-17, one of two static displays supporting the Air Force Academy at the United Service Organizations' military village during this year's Military Bowl.

"The purpose of the village is to showcase the mission and equipment of the military services," said Linda A. Wagner, Director Special Events U.S. Region for the USO. "The military village took approximately nine months of planning and the event itself, took much longer."

"I am so glad the mini-team could make it," said Mrs. Wagner after discussing the inclement weather Tuesday.

In addition to providing a tangible representation of Air Force aircraft and being a physical presence, the mini C-17 and its crew play a vital role in the public's eyes and ears.

"It's an honor to be able to represent the Air Force, especially the 315 AW", said Master Sgt. Gina L. Louis a crew chief assigned to the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at JB CHS. "I get to travel and educate kids on some of the great benefits the Air Force has to offer. I also enjoy meeting many of the Veterans who come to see the "mini" and listen to their stories of during their time in service."

Thousands of family members and friends of both the Academy and the opposing team, the Toledo Rockets, toured the village and had the opportunity to meet servicemembers from all branches of the military.

Several visitors to the "mini" expected it to fly, which it does not, and other visitors had alternative expectations.

"We expect a win!" said family members of Cadet Briceton Cannada, a sophomore at the Academy and kicker for the Falcons. His family traveled from Raleigh, N.C. and Dillon, S.C. to attend the game and encourage their team.

While the Falcons narrowly lost to the Rockets 41-42 in the final few seconds of the game, the "mini" and its team won a few new fans, inspired young minds and educated attendees about the Air Force Reserve and the missions of the 315 AW.