Pilots of three T-28 Trojan warbirds are scheduled to perform bridging at Keeter Stadium during the first three days of the 2022 American Legion World Series.
Warbirds are vintage military aircraft now operated by civilian organizations or individuals. The T-28s bound for Shelby are retired military trainers now owned by the Museum of Flight in Rome, Ga.
The first round as part of the Parade of Champions was planned for August 11, the tournament’s opening day.
All eight regional teams competing for the national title will line up at Veterans Stadium between games 3 and 4 of the day.
The pilots will implement another flyover at the stadium during Friday night’s games.
Warbirds will be displayed to the public at Shelby County Cleveland Regional Airport Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon. The pilots will finally fly a flyover into the stadium on Saturday afternoon as part of the USA Military Appreciation Day.
“It’s going to be loud and lively,” says Robert Farrow, an ALWS volunteer who coordinated the warbird’s appearance.
Farrow, a US Navy veteran and retired air traffic controller, has produced and served as the air chief for several air shows.
“These planes travel across the county to raise awareness of aviation and the important role it has played in shaping our nation’s history,” says Farrow. “It’s a great way for us to remember and honor the sacrifices of veterans who served in the past, as well as those who are currently serving on active duty.”
The Museum of Aviation, established in 2010, contains displays and a collection of aviation and military memorabilia as well as warbirds, which are flown on air shows throughout the southeastern United States.
Here is brief information on the planes coming to Shelby:
- The T-28Alpha and T28Bravo served in Operation Farm Gate, the code name for a mission in Vietnam.
- The T28Charlie is credited as the first T-28 to land on an aircraft carrier, the USS Tarawa.
Kristen Lewis, Director of the Museum of Flight, told the ALWS Committee, “Thank you for the opportunity to carry out our mission, to raise awareness of aviation through a historic airplane flight while supporting the local Children’s Hospital (in Georgia). I’ve heard him say, ‘Anyone who does anything to help A kid is a hero. What ALWS does is just that.”
Farrow also coordinated another military group to frighten the crowd ahead of the championship game on Tuesday, August 16th.
The U.S. Army’s parachute team, the Golden Knights, will give a show before game 7 p.m. The Golden Knights’ demo teams travel to the United States to perform for the general public at venues ranging from small civic events to televised events locally and internationally, such as NFL games, NASCAR races, and international air shows.
Team members come from diverse backgrounds in one of the 150 jobs in the US Army. Paratroopers operate to exacting standards but may tailor their performance to a specific location.
Golden Knights have an unparalleled safety record in professional skydiving. The Golden Knights also have rival teams that have won national and international competitions. They hold the current world record in male and female four-way free-fall formation and the world record in parachute workout speed.
The Golden Knights Tandem division provides tandem skydiving for local and national celebrities, media personnel and VIPs. He was the Golden Knights that vaulted with the late President George Bush Sr. in 2007, 2012 and 2014. The Golden Knights are headquartered in Fort Bragg.
“The Golden Knights are the number one skydiving team in the world – the best ever,” said Andrew Hooper, a veteran, Shelby City Council member and ALWS committee member. “As a former paratrooper, I am excited for Shelby City to perform here. I am sure everyone, especially the American Legion officials here, will enjoy this. It will be a great day.”
The 2022 ALWS is scheduled for August 11-16. General admission tickets will go on sale on June 1. For more information about games and tickets, go to americanlegionworldseries.com Or call 704-466-3103.