RI Airshow continuation.........

From dark clouds to bright sun clouds the air show continues The show goes on.......
The Airshow continues and now the temperature is in the mid 90's and extremely hot. We are now under the tent where the shade is to watch the rest of the show.

Tumbling at awe inspiring rates in almost any attitude, gives world class pilot, Michael Goulian the freedom to use his imagination to create a show to leave the fans wanting more!

Ed Hamill, (Air Force Reserve) has been entertaining airshow crowds since 1999. His unique airshow tells a story he calls, "Living the Dream."2008 marks the sixth consecutive year Ed Hamill and his team operate as the Air Force Reserve Biplane Show. Ed combines the history of airshow flying and the Air Force Reserve with his message:set goals, work hard and never give up. He captures the true romanceof airshows and aviation itself, the AFR Biplane is the perfect choicefor this task. It is a factory-built biplane first manufactured in the 1950's. The AFR Biplane has a top speed of over 210 mph, and can withstand positive 6 and negative 5 G's

F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather fighter and is used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter. The single-seat F/A-18 Hornet is the nation's first strike-fighter. The F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support.

Capt Phillip A. Smith is the Air Combat Command's Strike Eagle Demonstration Team pilot and Assistant Commander. As the Demonstrationpilot, he showcases America's F-15E Strike Eagle to more than seven million people at approximately 65 shows around the world. His is currently assigned as an F-15E pilot with the 4th Fighter Wing,Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

Capt Ed "Wild" Colfer is the Air Combat Command's Strike EagleF-15E Demonstration Team Weapons System Officer and officerin charge of the F-15E Demonstration Team. As the Demonstration WSO, he showcases America's F-15E Strike Eagle to more than seven million people at approximately65 shows around the world. He is currently assigned as an F-15E Instructor WSO with the 4th Fighter Wing,Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Julie Clark flies the Chevron Mentor T-34, call "Free Spirit" and displays a unique patriotic presentation as her plane dances in the sky with an ballet choreographed with GOD BLESS THE USA with Lee Greenwood.with over 29,000 hours of flying, including 1000 air shows she enhances her presentation by using multi-colored wing tip smoke trailsin her every maneuver and concludes her breathtaking performance with fireworks.
The RI National Guard Combined Arms Demonstration usesairlift squadrons that fly C-130 Hercules, C-5 Galaxy, and C-17 Globemaster aircraft that transport people, equipment and supplies. Air refueling units, flying KC-135 Stratotankers, provide air-to-air refueling for strategic and tactical aircraft.
The Air National Guard has three rescue and recovery squadrons that fly HH-60 helicopters and HC-130 aircraft. These units provide important lifesaving capabilities and services to civilian and military agencies. Air support units that fly OA-10 Thunderbolt IIs provide forward air control support of close-air support missions. The general-purpose fighter force is equipped with F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, A-10 and OA-10 aircraft. We saw a jeep being transpored and dropped to an area where the soldiers were brought by another plane in the demonstration.

Frank Ryder has entertained countless thousands of spectators with his unbelievable low altitude precision acrobaticdemonstrations and aerial showmanship.

John Klatt (Air National Guard) a high energy pilot makes many maneuvers of hoops in the C-130J-30 Demo.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The British Red Arrows renowned throughout the world as ambassadors for both the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom performed the Grand Finale. Since the Team was officially formed in 1965,the Red Arrows have completed over 4,000 displays in 53 countries. The Red Arrows’ reputation is built on the commitment and professionalism, combined with Royal Air Force skills,training and equipment. Many of the Red Arrows’ pilots andsupport staff have recently returned from Afghanistan and Iraq and many will be temporarily detached on operationsoverseas during their time with the Red Arrows. They are proud to represent the values and professionalism of the Royal Air Force. There performance at the Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show, brings a close too their very successful goodwill tour of North America.They displayed in front of 90,000 people - many of them never having seen them before. "Amazing! What a great show!'


The 2008 Airshow ended at approximately 4:20pm

As the show ended we walked to the gates about 5 minutes from where we were. It was very crowded, felt like Disney when the park closes and you are leave in groves. The wind picked up and blew my visor, as I ran to retrieve it, I could see John and Mark way ahead in the crowd. I tried to catch up with them but in rushing I did not see the broken asphalt in the driveway to the gate. I tripped while holding my centerpiece and fell on it and it broke the fall with the centerpiece crushing and I land on both hands with an impact. I felt fine but 3 MPs came over and asked if I could get up and if I was bleeding. I told them my hands were stinging and red and had minor cuts and I would be alright. However they wanted me to wait and sit and allow the crowd to leave and have a Med look at me.

I was told that on Saturday another person had tripped.

WHY DID THEY NOT PUT UP A CONE? My fall might have been prevented.........