Air Force Week displays highlight airpower

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson
  • Air Force News Agency
PHOENIX (AFNEWS) --  Air Force displays lined the street.  Spectators toured and asked questions, discovering what the Air Force brings to the fight and the amazing things their Air Force is doing around the globe. 

One Air Force Week event took place outside the Arizona Science Center in Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix and highlighted Air Force science.

"It's a great opportunity to let the public know about the missions the Air Force does around the world today and to tell them thanks for the support they give our troops," said NASA Astronaut Lt. Col. Terry Virts, on hand to sign autographs and answer questions.

Spectators were given the chance to drive an explosive ordnance disposal robot, fly in a computerized flight simulator and observe a security forces military working dog demonstration, just to name a few.

"It is important to let the kids know that math and science are a big part of our nation's future," said Colonel Virts. "We need to make sure our country stays strong in those fields."

Parents brought their children to the event and local school students on fieldtrips to the science center got a chance to participate as well.

"I think the little kids will get to see what the men and women do in the field and maybe one day think about joining the Air Force," said Kris Newberger, a local spectator.

Air Force week events will continue throughout the week, showcasing Air Force power and the Airmen behind it.

The week will include community visits and talks by senior Air Force officials, flight demonstration team performances and displays providing the public with an up close and personal look at the Air Force men and women serving on the front lines.

There are more than 6,770 Arizona men and women serving in the Air Force today, making a difference in the war on terrorism.

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