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Tuskegee Airmen was flown to Andrews Air Force base to participate in the Joint Services Open House. Andrews is close to Washington D.C. and falls within the Aviation Defense Zone surrounding the city. Flying into this zone after 9/11/01 was more stressful then night landings on aircraft carriers. PPR's (Prior Permission Required) numbers had to be acquired, a special Air Security Access code was assigned, special transponder codes had to be transmitted and a special radio frequency used to enter the zone. The slightest mistake would have warranted an unwanted visit by a missile toting F-16, a trip around the penalty box and hours of nasty interrogations! Thankfully, we did it correctly.

This air show is an annual event where the military services showcase their equipment for the public. Every imaginable piece of military hardware was on exhibit. The United States' largest aircraft, a C-5 Galaxie, to the unmanned aerial vehicle, the Predator. Sandwiched in between were B-1 "Lancer" and B-2 "Spirit" bombers, Marine CH 53 helicopters, and new Texan II Navy and Air Force basic trainers.

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Many wonderful military personnel described the operation of their equipment to young eager "would be" future aviators, soldiers and Marines. Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld conducted the opening ceremonies paying special tribute to the armed forces members recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. A special moment was also set aside for those who will never return.

It is always very humbling to visit our nation's capital, a trip everyone should attempt to make. The memorials and monuments remind us just how wise our founding fathers were. The values and ideals they pieced together to form our constitution and Bill of Rights have stood the test of time for over 200 years. To read these inscripted words is inspiring and makes a person proud to be an American. Naturally these freedoms come with a heavy price and the Iwo Jima, Korean and Viet Nam memorials remind us of that absolute price.

Tuskegee Airmen flew three performances at Andrews and was visited by numerous original Tuskegee Airmen who had not yet seen the restored "C" model. The aircraft evoked many emotions and stories as these illustrious gentlemen recalled their past.

Washington is naturally a very international city and it was exciting to see peoples' reaction from Belgium, Egypt, South Africa and Peru to the Tuskegee Airmen story. As with most Americans they are amazed how the story unfolded and the success the Airmen achieved.

The US Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team were the star of the show. Inclement weather prevented them from flying until Sunday but their show was worth waiting for. It was exciting to see Mark Smith return to his home town of DC as a member of the US Air Force Thunderbirds.

Following the Joint Services Open house Tuskegee Airmen returned to Fayetteville NC for the remainder of the Festival of Flight

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