BLUE BELL, Pa. -- Members of the 111th Attack Wing taught civilians about the Pennsylvania Air National Guard at the 29th Annual Wings ‘N Wheels event held here on Sept.7.
Comprised of recruiting and retention flight members and security forces squadron members, the team displayed a tactical police pick-up truck and an armored high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle, commonly called a HMMWV, at the historic Wings Field.
Master Sgt. Shaun Monahan, 111th ATKW antiterrorism program manager, explained why the citizen airmen at Horsham AGS looks forward to supporting these community events throughout the year.
“Nothing is better than seeing the smiles on their faces,” said Monahan. “Answering questions and telling our story while showing those families and children we are here for them … That is what our commitment is all about.”
In addition to being fun for kids, the event helped highlight a charitable cause.
“Wings ‘N Wheels is a community event for people of all ages,” said Jess Ames, outreach and events director for Angel Flight East, which provides free flights for patients who need medical treatment far from home. “There are antique cars, airplanes and our volunteer pilots are doing scenic flights for attendees.”
According to Ames, this year’s Wings ’N Wheels was a huge success. The event, which takes place the Saturday after Labor Day, drew more than 3,200 people. The spectators perused rows of vintage aircraft and sport planes displayed among automobiles that ranged from emergency vehicles, to classic cars and modern American muscle.
The military and emergency-response vehicles drew a crowd of children, who took turns sounding sirens and flashing the emergency lights on one of the many vehicles that patrol Horsham AGS daily. The service members also ushered teens through the process of donning a helmet and climbing to the top of the HMMWV for pictures in the gun turret.
“Events like this build partnerships between the local community and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard,” said Monahan. “As service members, we may lose focus on maintaining that positive engagement and outreach with our local community; however, the 111th (ATKW) remains committed to ensuring we maintain that strong bond.”