If you couldn’t find my column in the last three Registers, it wasn’t that they didn’t want to include them, it was because I didn’t write them! One of the advantages of being a volunteer contributor, if you get overwhelmed and just can’t spend time on the computer, you don’t have to worry about being fired! Like many of you, the holiday period was just overwhelming with family visiting from all over the country. It was wonderful, of course, but you just don’t get much “me” time. So, now things are getting back to “normal.” Helping veterans in need didn’t stop but fortunately we have a wonderful team of volunteers who stepped in and helped when I couldn’t. And of course, the VA, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, and all the funded non-profits didn’t stop serving veterans in need either.

This past weekend was Great State of Maine Air Show. Since the Navy no longer owns what was the Brunswick Naval Air Station, the show is produced by a private contractor, so no free admissions anymore. But, for those who wanted to avoid the crowd and save money, on Friday the entire show is rehearsed. So, last Friday, that was where I was. While I may be biased, the Blue Angles are the best of the best. I have watched many Blue Angles Shows in the past and I am always amazed. Having once, briefly, very briefly, flown Navy jets in my past, what they do when in tight formation is downright scary!

I was also impressed with the UK Royal Air Force Red Arrow demonstration team. The Red Arrows typically fly nine red jet trainers, performing intricate formations, synchronized maneuvers, and dramatic aerobatics. While the Blues have six jets, the Red Arrows have nine and their routine is completely different from the Blues. At the end of the show, the Blues and the Red Arrows joined forces and flew 2 passed together in tight formation with 4 of the Red Arrows streaming red smoke, the other 4 streaming blue smoke, and the 9th Red Arrow, tucked in behind the Blues streaming white smoke along with the Blues. How cool is that!

And from our own state, the Vacationland Jumpers Demo team provided an exhilarating display of skydiving. Vacationland Jumpers are an elite demonstration skydiving team based in Waterville. Their performances feature colorful smoke trails, and streamers. And, the last two jumpers have huge American flags below them that you can’t help but to be proud to be an American and proud of our great state.

If you were anywhere near Brunswick during the show and you heard the loudest noise ever, you probably were hearing the USAF F-35 demo. This fighter is all engine with a cockpit on it, my observation! The power is just incredible.

So, when the show comes again, join the crowd, or watch on Friday!

As a heads up, the USCG Eagle will be in Portland July 24-27 and will be open for tours.