The Sound of Speed Air Show and Open House wins prestigious award

  • Published
  • By Maj Barb Denny
  • 139th Airlift Wing
12/11/10 - St. Joseph, Mo. --  The 139th Airlift Wing was awarded the 2010 International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award at its annual convention held in Las Vegas December 8, 2010. This award is presented each year to one military installation which sets a new standard of excellence in community relations and including them in the planning, executing and rewards of the event. The 139th Airlift Wing is only the third Air National Guard base to ever receive this award since its inception in 1988. The Schram Award has in the past gone to military installations such as, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA, Langley Air Force Base, VA, Nellis Air Force Base, NV and Naval Air Station Oceana, VA.

The Sound of Speed Air Show and Open House hosted by the 139th AW, City of St. Joseph, Buchanan County and St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce was held May 1 - 2, 2010 in conjunction with the Apple Blossom Festival.

"From the beginning, the city, county and the Chamber were part of the core planning team who coordinated an outstanding event for the community," said Major Byron Newell, air show coordinator.

The air show drew 60,000 spectators for the two day event which raised $20,000 for eight different local charities. Volunteer groups who worked concession stands also received $17,000 for their organizations. Missouri's Commander-in-Chief, Governor Jay Nixon, flew in for the event to offer his support and spoke to the crowd on Sunday.
"We couldn't be more excited about this award," said Colonel Mike McEnulty, wing commander. "Our community support has always been one of the keys to the success of the 139th Airlift Wing. The Sound of Speed Air Show and Open House was such an outstanding event because of our partnership with the local community. All those involved should be very proud."

Dick Schram was a former Blue Angel Commander, Department of Defense Aviation Support Liaison Officer who personified all that was good about the military's involvement in air shows. This award recognizes Commander Schram's unique ability in the community relations field that goes far beyond the traditional base/community relations.