NEW HAMPSHIRE GUARDSMAN
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PEASE AIR SHOW A SOARING SUCCESS By Staff Sgt. Courtney Rorick, 114th Public Affairs Detachment NCOIC White smoke streamed from the tails of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as thousands of spectators gazed skyward during the 2021 Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show and Open House, Sept. 11-12. An estimated 81,000 civilians, volunteers and military personnel enjoyed the two-day event that included aerial performances, static displays, and interactive events with New Hampshire’s own National Guard. The event was hosted by the 157th Air Refueling Wing and came to fruition after two years of planning on the part of New Hampshire’s only Air National Guard base and its community partners. Their
goal: bring the community and military members together, while creating an amazing show. “We really appreciate our community and we’re really excited to share this event with them,” said Col. John Pogorek, commander of the 157th ARW. “It’s really great to be able to showcase our military and show our citizens what our Guardsmen do.” The 157th last hosted an air show more than a decade ago, in 2007. “Air shows are here to inspire children to be a part of their community, invest in their community, and we are able to show them that by giving them hands on
Crowds converge on various display aircraft at the 2021 Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show at Pease Air National Guard Base on Sept. 12. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Johnston, NHNG Deputy State PAO.
opportunities here,” said Maj. Shannon Van Splunder, event director. “We get to invite the community through our gates and make personal connections with them.” She added the event would not be possible without community support. Army National Guard, active-duty personnel, reservists, Navy sailors, state police and civilian volunteers worked together to plan and assist with the experience. “The air show grants us the opportunity to connect the citizens of New Hampshire and we are grateful for that,” said Col. Todd Swass, vice wing commander. “This is a true partnership and they support us
