By Taylor Sterling

This year’s New York Air Show, hosted by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Orange County Tourism and Film Director Amanda Dana, featured a phenomenal display of color and aerial artistry never before seen at the annual air show. Among other things, the aircraft featured the World War II P-51 Mustang “Little Brother,” a pure celebration of our nation’s armed forces. I wrote an original screenplay about this bird and the pilot who piloted this craft to protect “Big Brother,” the Boeing B-29 Superfortress. After the capture of Iwo Jima, the P-51 Mustang fighters of the USAAF’s VII Fighter Command were trained in Hawaii and dubbed “The Pineapple Air Force”. Starting in March 1945, they were stationed at Iwo Jima. They were assigned to escort Boeing B-29 Superfortress missions against the Japanese homeland. Next up was the free fall demonstration by the West Point Black Knights Parachute Team which blew away everyone watching the show. This team of 36 cadets trains 6 days a week and the last one in the air descends and lands with an American flag while other cadets help make sure the flag never touches the ground. An overwhelming applause as he landed with the symbol of what America stands for! The most breathtaking flight display followed with the Frecce Tricolor, Italy’s premier aerobatic team also known as the “Tricolor Arrows”. For the first time in over 30 years, they flew their flag colors in streamers over New York, trailing behind their amazing “Rockette” as if dancing in the sky (see photo). The 13 pilots captivated the audience, young and old, with cheers and applause during their 30-minute performance. This was followed by the show of our American air force, the invincible USAF Thunderbirds. They represent 500,000 men and women of the United States Air Force and are stationed in my old hometown at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

They continue to fly the F-16, the Fighting Falcon! Orange County Airport went off without incident and was a complete success as attested by 20,000 very satisfied spectators. Our safety was paramount and we were protected both in the air and on the ground by Orange County Emergency Management Officer Pete Cirigliano, Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta, NY State Troopers and local police forces. The weather was as perfect as the day and was shared by all in attendance. Perfection! Thank you to everyone who made this amazing weekend and showcased just a portion of America’s amazing air power. 20,000 proud Americans saluted those who have served and are serving and thanked them all for their service. Stand up and make America proud. Show your support for this great country and what it stands for. Thank you, Steve Neuhaus (Commander of the US Naval Reserve) for everything you do every day for the entire county and for our country.

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