Up, up and away!

Though often covered in coats and blankets during a chilly fall morning, kids and some adults still laughed and waved their flags Friday morning as they saw aircraft scream overhead as part of the opening Airsho program.
   The Commemorative Air Force Airsho has traditionally held a special early show intended for disabled adults and special education students, but this year it went a bit further by inviting all sixth-grade classes from around the area to attend as “Junior Aces.”
   “We invited all to participate this year. It’s the first time we have been able to involve the schools to this extent,” Airsho representative Autumn Esparza said.
   Education director Clay Francell said 1,500 kids from 19 schools came to the show, including places like Crane and Greenwood in addition to Odessa and Midland.
   He said the new “Junior Aces” program is a way to tie education and outreach together, while the show for special people brings both adults and kids to experience a type of show that otherwise could be difficult to see.
   Esparza said the show offered a worksheet to those who wanted something to go along with the program. But for many, it was just a fun time as planes like the F-16 jet and huge C-17 cargo plane wowed the crowd.
   “I didn’t expect there to be jets. That was really fun, different than what I expected,” Zavala sixth-grader Aaron Lopez said.
   Zavala sixth-grader Justin Villegas said they earned a trip to the show with good behavior.
   “I liked it when the smoke came out of the planes,” Zavala sixth-grader Nicolas Galindo said.
   OHS senior Bianca Tavarez came out to the show as part of the traditional program for special education students. She said she loves planes and seeing the show.
   “It’s just so much fun,” she said.
   Greenwood High sophomore Jolynn Casas came to the Airsho to volunteer, handing out flags to the students.
   “It’s cool. I’d rather be here than school,” she said.
   Low clouds limited the amount of stunts the pilots could do for the crowd, but the crowd still gazed skyward as the planes zipped by in front of the public.
   Cameron Magnet teacher James Johnston said his campus took all sixth-graders to the event in preparation for a special training program at the museum later in November.
   “The kids have been doing photo and video, and we’re going to make it into a little slide show and video,” Johnston said. “It’s a great activity for them.”

AIRSHO
   >> The Commemorative Air Force Airsho is scheduled today and Sunday. Trainer flights are scheduled to take to the skies at 10:30 a.m., with aircraft available for viewing starting at 7:30 a.m. both days.
   >> Once the flying concludes at 5 p.m. today, a retro USO show will include swing dancers and impersonators of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.
   >> Tickets cost $20 for adults at the gate, $5 for children from age 6 to 12. Call 563-1000 for more information.