Intercom
Spring 2022
11
SUN ‘n FUN Returns to Lakeland. Contributors: Gilbert Thomas, John Laurent and George Papabeis
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo bills itself as Florida’s largest annual convention of any kind, and the second-largest air show in the world. The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), presented SUN ‘n FUN April 5-10 in Lakeland, Florida. Over 225,000 aviation enthusiasts visited the venue for 6 exciting days of cutting-edge technology exhibits, forums, workshops, career fairs, and of course our world-famous breathtaking aerial displays by some of the best airshow performers in the business! John Laurent, Flotilla Commander, and Gil Thomas Flotilla Vice Commander Flotilla 77 Polk County organized Auxiliary participation to present boating safety information and promote Auxiliary membership and Auxiliary Air opportunities. Participating members included Gilbert Thomas, John Laurent, Paul Cooke, Dennis Smith, Francisco Lopez, Mary Hassett, Joe Silva, Herve Casimir, Ronald Ramos, David Harbison, Duane Wilkins, and William Benoist from Flotilla 77 Polk County; George Papabeis and Clark Pittman from Flotilla 74 Brandon; Elliott Seda and Mark Arthur from Flotilla 75 Apollo Beach. We thank them for representing the Auxiliary and boating safety! Ω Auxiliary watchstanders for 2022 SUN ‘n FUN in Lakeland, Apr. 5-10 pose in front of the public information booth. From left are William Benoist, Gilbert Thomas, Clark Pittman, John Laurent, Duane Wilkins, and Dennis Smith. All except Pittman are members of Flotilla 77 Polk County. Pittman is a member of Flotilla 74 Brandon. Below: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly in formation at SUN n’ FUN. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary photos by George Papabeis.
