There is still plenty of air racing to go around but Friday was also a chance to showcase some of our country's oldest and newest military aircraft at the Reno Stead Airport.
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F-22 raptors are the most versatile fighter jets our military has ever seen.
It's also one of the crowd favorites at the Reno Air Races. "Most of the people who come out here really love aircraft. They love what happens out here. They love people who are pushing the limits and doing all the rest of that kind of stuff and this aircraft takes it to a whole new level, especially for fighter-fast maneuverability," says Maj. Henry "Schadow" Schantz.
The Air Force uses the fighter jets to go where other aircraft can't -- clearing the skies for ground troops.
Here in Reno, it's a chance to see the WWII era P51 Mustangs fly with the most modern aircraft around. "From the 40s workhorse there to the newest fighter and we're able just to bring that back to both the retirees and the people who normally don't see how our Air Force has progressed and evolved over time."
"You would love to be flying them and you remember those that you did fly."
Colonel James Warren is one of the Tuskegee Airmen who flew in 173 combat missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
The 89-year-old is also the oldest civilian with a pilots license in the U.S.
In fact, his last flight was three days ago. "Sometimes I feel like flying and sometimes I don't. When I don't enjoy it, I don't fly."
All branches of our Armed Forces were recognized today, for Military Appreciation Day. "Race fans and air show fans are a very patriotic group and so it's just another example for them to come out and show support for the troops," says Lt. Col. John "Jughead" Counsell.
The Patriot Jets team is a group of military pilots, including some that flew with the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds. Their performances are highlighted with red, white, and blue smoke.
Even after their years of service are over, they still can't help but perform at these events. "Aviation's a disease. Air show aviation's a really bad disease. Once you get it in your blood, you never want to get away from it."
Those veterans have all been deployed so they say today's tribute is very appreciated, not just for them, but for the troops that are serving overseas, right now.
For more information on the Air Races, go to http://airrace.org/
Written by Paul Nelson
