Notes

 At the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, April 15 - 17, 2011

Frans Van Baars and Jerry Emerson took float to the base on Friday, April 15, met up with the Carolina Military Vehicle Preservation Association (CMVPA), and traveled into the base in a column to the set up area - a grass field next to the flight line and various food / beverage venders. The CMVPA had about nine restored military vehicles in the same location. Frans and Jerry then got to see some of the flying acts practice.

On Saturday, April 16, Jerry Emerson got to the site about 0730 to set up float, Dan Wall and his wife came for a few hours. Bill Dixon, Bill Lowe and Henry Hagwood came and all enjoyed a front row seat for the show that started about 1000. Due to the bad weather approaching and the tornado warnings, the base cancelled the remainder of the Saturday Show. An estimated 30,000 visitors attended on Saturday. The float was secured before departing about 1300.

Peg and Jerry Emerson arrived Sunday morning about 0745, Dave Campbell was there rigging the float. Due the rain during the night, the grass field was very soggy and the Air Force OIC of the Air Show decided to move all of us to the flight line tarmac, about 300 yards closer to the exhibits. Our area was with the CMVPA vehicles on the end and first row from the flight line. Frans Van Baars arrived about 1000 and for the next 6 hours we were very busy, answering questions and helping about 250 to 350 children, teenagers, and adults have their picture taken on top of the torpedo. During the two day show we picked up least 8 Subvets interested in joining USSVI. Jerry was amazed that more than 50% of the prospects DID NOT KNOW THAT USSVI EXISTED. There were about 100,000 to 130,000 people at the show and most of them on the tarmac. It was a fantastic show and Frans and Dave took a lot of pictures. After the air show finished, our Subvets started to secure the float about 1600 with people still wanting pictures. The float was hooked up about 1700 and finally got off base at about 1800. A great time was had by all.