Memorial Day Salute to Veterans Airshow Honors Veterans Past and Present

By Carmelo Turdo

The 28th Annual Memorial Day Salute to Veterans Corporation Airshow in Columbia, MO this weekend continued a long tradition of honoring veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice along with those with recent and current military service to the nation.  The airshow, one of several Memorial Day weekend events scheduled in the area, has maintained its popularity with the community over nearly three decades.  Headliners for this year's airshow were the Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet and Skyhawks, U.S. Navy Super Hornet Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights along with other nationally known solo performances.  During the noon hour, military veterans were honored, including several members of the Tuskegee Airmen in their 90's, in a ceremony at show center.  The Aero Experience is pleased to provide coverage again this year, starting with this overview of the Sunday activities at Columbia Regional Airport.    

A-10 Thunderbolt II from 442nd FW, Whiteman AFB, MO

C-1A Trader "Miss Belle" flown by Doug Goss

Canadian Forces Beechcraft King Air 

Canadian Forces Beechcraft King Air crew

Kansas City Dawn Patrol Nieuport 11 replica

Stearman primary trainer flown by Rod Hightower

Rod Hightower with Tuskegee Airman Col. Charles McGee

North American F-51 Mustang "Archie"

Supermarine Seafire navalized Spitfire

North American AT-6 Texan advanced trainer

Siai-Marchetti 1019 Italian liaison aircraft

Lockheed P-3C Orion patrol aircraft

Boy Scout food tent

Kids take a "flight" around the apron

Honored guest veterans with past and present military service

Visitors look to the sky for the aerial entertainment

Canadian Forces Skyhawks descend with the U.S. flag

U.S. Army Golden Knights land with the MO flag 

A World War I-era Jenny shows its excellent low-speed handling

MO CAF Wing B-25 Mitchell bomber low pass

North American AT-6 Texan Racer 88 flown by John Lohmar

Vultee BT-13 "Valiant Echoes" flown by Michael Kennedy

Trojan Phlyers T-28 flown by Chip Lamb

Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornet flown by Captain Ryan Kean

U.S. Navy Super Hornet from VFA-122 "Flying Eagles"

DeHavilland Vampire jet flown by Jerry Conley

Pilot Jerry Conley after the performance in the Vampire