Veterans reflect at Sound of Speed

By Kendra Simpson

The Sound of Speed Air show concluded Sunday evening. The event brought in thousands of onlookers, civilian and enlisted alike. One group of attendees, however, remember the air show not as a spectacle, but as a reminder of their years of service.

“They represent an inside look into a day in the life,” Air Force Veteran Jake James said. “We’re used to it, but it gives you an inside look. You get closer, you get kids that now get interested and they might go on to pursue a career in the military. I think that the air show also represents that kind of thing other than just ‘Oh wow, look at them, they’re flying all around doing crazy stuff.’ It’s an inside look. It’s a day in the life almost.”

The air show isn’t just for the astounding tricks, though. It’s a chance to recruit potential airmen and show them a career that goes above and beyond the average 9 to 5.

“Having the Thunderbirds here and all the other acts, it just sparks imagination and gives everybody an idea that ‘Hey, this is something that’s out there.’ You can go out and achieve, whether they do on the civilian side or the military side.”

The Sound of Speed Airshow concluded Sunday evening, but the traditions, honor and excitement of the community will continue for many years to come.