Falcon Brigade hosts annual Marne Air Day

Photo By Spc. Scott Lindblom | Twin boys take a modified Army Physical Fitness test during Marne Air Day on Hunter Army Air Field July 29. (Photo by Spc. Scott Lindblom, 3rd CAB Public Affairs)  

SAVANNAH, GA, UNITED STATES

07.29.2016

Story by Sgt. William Begley 

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. – The Soldiers and Families of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade joined members of the local Savannah community during Marne Air Day on Hunter Army Airfield July 29.
Col. Jeffrey A. Becker, commander, 3rd CAB said that Marne Air Day is an opportunity to highlight Falcon Soldiers.
“This is one way we can show the Families and members of the greater Savannah community immense appreciation for the support we receive,” Becker said.
Every aircraft the brigade flies was on display for the public to see and sit in. There was also an M1A2 Abrams tank, along with a Bradley Fighting vehicle provided by 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team which drew a steady crowd all day long. There was face painting and kids could participate in an obstacle course and do a modified physical training test.
A newcomer to the Marne Air Day celebration was Pfc. Dylan Cherrix, Company B, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion and his Family. Along with his wife Jae and their daughter, the Cherrix Family got to experience what goes on behind the closed gates and hangar doors on HAAF.
"We're pretty busy most of the year, so to have my wife and my daughter out here so they can actually see what I do for the first time is really cool," Cherrix said.
“This may be the first time some of these Families get to see firsthand the tools and equipment their husbands and wives work with every day,” Chief Warrant Officer 5 Timothy Smail said. Smail is the command chief warrant officer of the 3rd CAB. “It’s also a way to show the Families and community that the equipment that they use, the weapons they fire and the equipment that protects them is the best our Army has that is available.”
This year’s Marne Air Day was the biggest and most ambitious event in many years. There were more events, more static displays and for the first time, the local community was invited. The man who was in charge of organizing the event was Capt. Chase Blankenship, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd CAB.
“It feels pretty good to coordinate and move every piece of equipment into place in time to make this such an awesome event,” Blankenship said. “I was very happy to see the publicity got out to the community. We had a lot of people come here as soon as the gates opened up. It was a good feeling seeing such a positive response.”

• Date Taken: 07.29.2016
• Date Posted: 08.01.2016 13:51
• Story ID: 205690
• Location: SAVANNAH, GA, US