Vote and vote again

Today is primary day in Nebraska. The really big election comes in November. I hope you cast your ballot because your voice is important. This old political junkie will be eager to see the results tomorrow morning. No doubt the voter turnout will be dismal as the presidential delegates are already named and we being few in Nebraska receive little national media attention anyway. I think I like it this way. Smile though if I am the only one a little confused. It appears that every name you have ever heard of running for president will be on the ballot even though one party earlier had a caucus and the other party evidently has already chosen their preferred delegate.

Grannie Annie and I enjoyed the day last Saturday hanging out with some of our favorite people -- the men and women of the Nebraska National Guard. We were remembering old times at the two day Air Show at the Lincoln Airpark. We visitors gathered on the vast concrete parking ramp on the west side of Lincoln Municipal Airport. I remember that same space covered with B-47s and KC-97s when it was an active duty SAC base.

The really big draw for the Air Show was to be a demonstration by the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels flying their F-18 Hornets. Alas the Navy flunked after a thick pall of smoke from the big fires in Canada rolled in limiting visibility just before the scheduled time for the Blue Angels to fly. Their C-130 "Fat Albert" support aircraft did launch to evaluate and reported that the visibility was too poor to safely conduct the Blues exciting demo. Bummer.

McCook talent did shine though with Capt. Sean Cappel, and a Nebraska Air Guard flight crew showing off their KC-135. Sean's folks do the NAPA Store in McCook, I may be a tad partial because I initially taught Sean to fly right here at McCook Airport when he was in High School. Then, too, his KC-135 is the very aircraft that I flew for a good portion of my Air Force career.

The rest of todays Air Force was pretty well represented with a B-1, C-17, KC-10, RC-135, F-15s, F16s, T-38, T-6 and probably more that I missed all on static display and open for the public to touch feel and explore.

The people who spend huge amounts of money keeping ancient warbirds flying for the public to enjoy were well represented with a B-25, P-38, T-6s, P-51s, and a BT-13 all flying in front of the crowd. Then the Commemorative Air Force demonstrated a strafing attack and dog fight along with a well flown aerobatic routine. There was a lot of air action to like.

The Air Force Academy parachute team demonstrated their skills as did their competition aerobatic glider team. Also present hot cars -- lots of things to get the adrenalin flowing all afternoon.

The star of the show was a demonstration by the best fighter in the world today the F-22. That wonderful beast does things normal airplanes can't, stealthy (really hard to see in a smoky atmosphere) and extremely maneuverable. 'Tis a shame we don't have a whole lot more of them to fight our wars of today.

Actually the day was quite pleasant and people turned out by the thousands just to enjoy. I am a tad partial to such events because they are always really well organized. Lots of military folk on duty to control and help the crowd. Parents with children doing family things together. People of all stripes welcome and enjoying the event. Better weather Sunday allowed the Blue Angels to fly but they had to do it without us.

Beautiful Nebraska just now. The trees proudly display their many-hued delicate leaves. Recent good rains have turned the grass green, the wheat is starting to head out and most farmers are planting corn. Perfect temperature to be outside enjoying light breezes. Just ignore the tornados. It is good to be alive.

That is how I saw it.

Dick Trail