VAE Sit-Rep

The VAE Draws Long Lines and Satisfied Participants in June

The Virtual Army Experience (VAE) continued its tour of our great nation during the month of June, with stops in North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Iowa and Alabama. As the weather heated into triple digits, VAE participants stayed cool under the pressure of the virtual battlefield, thanks to the VAE’s air- conditioned dome. In June, more than 8,000 people learned more about the United States Army by visiting the VAE.

MCAS Cherry Point and Ocean City Senior Week

The VAE started the month in the split configuration, with one half in North Carolina at the Marine Corps Air Show at Cherry Point and the other half in Maryland at Ocean City Senior Week.

At MCAS Cherry Point, despite 120-degree temperatures, the VAE remained one of the most popular attractions at the air show and was featured on several local television stations.

Up the coast in Ocean City, Md., the VAE was set up directly in between the Ocean City Boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. Ocean City’s Senior Week is a long-standing tradition in Maryland. This year, it featured a new dynamic with the 1^st Annual Ocean City Air Show. High school seniors and air show attendees had the opportunity to experience the life of a U.S. Army Soldier and meet America’s Army Real Hero Jason Mike, who told his story and passed out Real Heroes action figures to VAE participants who excelled on the virtual battlefield.

Air Power Over Hampton Roads and the Quad City Air Show

After two great events in Maryland and North Carolina, the VAE kept one half of its structure in the mid-Atlantic region at Air Power Over Hampton Roads, while the other half headed to the Midwest to make an appearance at the Quad City Air Show.

At Air Power Over Hampton Roads, the VAE was ideally situated at a strategic entry and exit point. Needless to say, lines were long as people excitedly waited to mount up in their HMMWVs and take their place on the virtual battlefield. While waiting in line, VAE participants checked out the Army dragster and met driver Don O’Neal. After completing their mission, VAE attendees met another hero, America’s Army Real Hero Tommy Rieman. SGT Rieman debriefed them on their mission, shared his story, and handed out America’s Army Real Hero action figures to the top performers of each round.

In the Midwest, the VAE made its second appearance at the Quad City Air Show. For the past 21 years the Davenport Municipal Airport has hosted the Quad City Air Show, and organizers were excited for the return of the VAE. Joined by the Blue Angels and the Army’s Golden Knights as one of the air show’s main attractions, the VAE had close to 1,000 participants from the Quad City region.

Huntsville International Air Show

During the last weekend in June, the VAE appeared at the Huntsville International Air Show in Huntsville, Ala. Huntsville is the home of the VAE’s software engineering management team, so key members of the America’s Army team were in attendance to meet with participants. The VAE attracted large crowds during the first day of the show. Participants were excited to meet America’s Army Real Hero SGT Jason Mike and have a chance to take home one of his newly released action figures.

During the second day of the show, the area was hit with extreme weather conditions. At approximately 2 PM CST a microburst swept through the Huntsville International Airport, causing the air show to shut down early. The severe weather caused a number of injuries at the air show, including one fatality. Fortunately, no one participating in the VAE was injured during the storm.

It was a sad end to the Huntsville International Air Show and the hearts of the VAE staff members go out to everyone involved in the unfortunate accidents surrounding the show.

Upcoming Events

The VAE continues to tour the country during the month of July. Mark your calendar for these upcoming VAE events:

· July 10–20

o Six Flags Great America – Chicago, Ill.

· July 26–27

o Rochester Air Show – Rochester, N.Y.

Make sure to visit the VAE when it makes a stop in your area. The full 2008 schedule is available at http://vae.americasarmy.com.

Come Rain or Come More Rain,VAE Attracts Thousands

The VAE spent much of the month of May traveling up and down the East Coast, with stops at five air shows and the 2008 Boy Scout Camporee. While rainy weather conditions at many events prevented planes from flying, attendees were able to stay dry under the VAE dome and learn about the technologies of today’s Army. During the month of May more than6,000 people had stepped onto the virtual battlefield of the Virtual Army Experience.

MacDill Air Show 

The VAE’s first stop of the month was the MacDill Air Show May 34.This was the VAE’s second appearance at the show and attendees anxiously awaited its return. During last year’s event, local Tampa residents braved the Florida heat and waited in line for up to three hours to test their skills on the virtual battlefield. This year, the VAE was just as popular, with close to 3,000 participants. America’s Army Real Hero SGT Tommy Rieman returned to MacDill Air Force Base and presented his action figure to select VAE goers who excelled on the virtual battlefield.

Boy Scouts Camporee and Wings Over Pittsburgh

After impressing MacDill Air Show attendees for two years running, the VAE split in two and headed north. 

Half of the VAE traveled to West Point, N.Y., to give Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts a chance to experience the VAE. From May 9 to May 11, the VAE opened its door to hundreds of Scouts at the 46th annual West Point Invitational Camporee. Despite the rain, the VAE was one of the Camporee’s main attractions. One local newspaper went as far to say the VAE was the “highlight of the weekend.” America’s Army Real Hero SGT Rieman was back onsite, sharing his story about how the Army has had a positive impact on his life.

During the same weekend, the other half of the VAE headed to Pennsylvania to appear at Wings Over Pittsburgh, May 10–11. This was the VAE’s first time to Pittsburgh, and veteran and rookie America’s Army gamers alike lined up for their chance to step on the virtual battlefield. America’s Army Real Hero SGT Jason Mike attended the event, shared his story with the groups coming through the VAE, and appeared live on KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live to promote the VAE’s presence at Wings Over Pittsburgh. Although rain shortened Sunday’s show, the VAE was a huge hit.

Salute to Veterans Air Show and May Fly Air Show & Festival

After a scheduled maintenance weekend, the VAE was back on the road in its split configuration. May 24–25 half of the VAE appeared at the Salute to Veterans Air Show in Columbia, Mo., while the other half opened its doors at the May Fly Air Show & Festival in Florence, S.C.

This was the VAE’s second time at the Salute to Veterans Air Show, and attendees were excited to have us back. The rain kept planes grounded on Saturday but it didn’t stop people from lining up to step under the dome and hear from America’s Army Real Hero SGT Rieman.

Weather was also an issue on Saturday during the May Fly Air Show & Festival, but it didn’t stop the show. The VAE was one of the top attractions over the weekend and people were excited to have the chance to meet America’s Army Real Hero SGT Mike. Other air show displays and performers included a military warbird display, the Dynamic F-16 Viper East demo team, the Shockwave Jet Truck and the Mad Bomber pyrotechnic act. 

McGuire Air Expo

For its last stop in May, the VAE returned to its full-scale display at the McGuire Air Force Base Air Expo. During the three-day event, the VAE joined the Thunderbirds as one of the show’s main attractions. Unfortunately, the poor weather cancelled Saturday’s events at noon, but once the weather cleared on Sunday, the VAE reopened its doors and gave people the chance to take a virtual test drive of what it’s like to be a Soldier in the U.S. Army.

Upcoming Events

The VAE continues to tour the country during the month of June. Mark your calendar for these upcoming VAE events:

· June 6–8, 2008

o Marine Corps Air Show at Cherry Point – Havelock, NC

· June 7–15, 2008

o Ocean City Senior Week and Air Show – Ocean City, MD

· June 20–22, 2008

o Air Power Over Hampton Roads – Hampton, VA

· June 21–22, 2008

o Quad City Air Show – Davenport, IA

· June 28–29, 2008

o Huntsville International Air Show–Huntsville, AL

Make sure to visit the VAE when it makes a stop in your area. The full 2008 schedule is available at http://vae.americasarmy.com.

Air Shows, Six Flags and Onion Festivals!

The VAE was busy this past month, making stops at four Air Shows, Six Flags Over Georgia and the Vidalia Onion Festival. From Florida to Illinois to North Carolina, the VAE attracted more than 8,000 people during its last six events!

Wings Over Meridian

The VAE kicked off its first full-scale event of the year at Wings Over Meridian in Meridian, Miss. This was the VAE’s first appearance in Mississippi, and VAE staff were excited to be a part of the show. March 29–30 the VAE opened its doors to air show attendees and joined the Blue Angels as one of the main attractions at the show. America’s Army Real Hero SGT Jason Mike attended the event and shared his story with the groups coming through the VAE. Local radio personalities Scott Stevens and Lee Taylor conducted live interviews inside the 20,000-square-foot experience.

Florida International Air Show

The VAE’s next stop was Punta Gorda, Fla., for the Florida International Air Show, April 5–6. This was the 28^thFlorida International Air Show and the VAE was proud to be a part of the local tradition. VAE staff were happy to see the return of America’s Army Real Hero 2LT Jerry Wolford and gave his action figure to select individuals who distinguished themselves on the virtual battlefield. This was 2LT Wolford’s first appearance at the VAE since he welcomed the newest addition to his family late last year. Congratulations, 2LT Wolford!

Six Flags Over Georgia

After Punta Gorda it was on to Atlanta where the VAE engaged Spring Break visitors at Six Flags Over Georgia, April 11–13. The VAE caught the attention of Spring Breakers who were gathering to ride the Georgia Cyclone and the Mind Bender. Our SMEs think the VAE is even more exciting than the roller coasters. This was the VAE’s sixth stop for 2008 and its second Six Flags appearance of the year. Stay tuned for additional Six Flags stops during the VAE’s 2008 schedule!

Prairie Air Show and Coastal Carolina Air Show

After giving the Georgia Cyclone a run for its money at Six Flags, the VAE split in two and headed to two different air shows.

During April 19–20 weekend half of the VAE appeared at the Prairie Air Show in Peoria, Ill., while the other half opened its doors at the Coastal Carolina Air Show in Wilmington, N.C. The VAE generated long lines over the weekend and captured the hearts of air show attendees.

At the Prairie Air Show, the VAE was privileged to host a hometown America’s Army Real Hero at the event, SFC Robert Groff, who grew up in Peoria and still resides in the area. SFC Groff shared his heroic story and inspired individuals from his hometown.

 

Vidalia Onion Festival and Air Show

The VAE’s last stop for April was the 31^st Vidalia Onion Festival and Air Show in Vidalia, Ga. The VAE was open April 26–27 and garnered as much attention as the world-famous Vidalia onion rings!

The VAE had long lines all weekend and even had a visit from a local celebrity, 2008’s Miss Vidalia Onion Kay-Lyn Tatum, who stopped by to test her skills on the virtual battlefield.

Prior to the VAE opening at the Vidalia Onion Festival and Air Show, America’s Army Real Hero SGT Jason Mike spent the day with 190 eighth grade students at J.R. Trippe Middle School. SGT Mike shared his story with the kids, told them about the important role combat medics play in today’s Army, and invited them to visit the Virtual Army Experience.

Upcoming Events:

The VAE continues to appear around the country during May. Mark your calendar for these upcoming VAE events:

                · May 9–10, 2008

o Boy Scout Camporee – West Point, N.Y.

                · May 10–11, 2008

o Wings Over Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, Penn.

                · May 24–25, 2008

o Salute to Veterans Air Show – Columbia, Mo.

o May Fly Air Show – Florence, S.C.

                · May 31–June 1, 2008

o McGuire Air Expo - McGuire AFB, N.J.

Make sure to visit the VAE when it makes a stop in your area. The full 2008 schedule is available at http://vae.americasarmy.com.

The VAE Hits the Road for its Second Season

The VAE kicked off its 2008 schedule in the Lone Star State. Spending time in San Antonio, Houston and Dallas, the VAE stole the show at its various events and had Texans coming back for more!

 

U.S. Army All-American Bowl:

The VAE’s first stop of 2008 was the U.S. Army’s All-American Bowl in San Antonio from January 4-5. This was the VAE’s first time at Bowl week and it was one of the main attractions in the Army Strong Zone.

 

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo:

After Bowl week, the VAE spent some time off the road but returned in its smaller setup to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo from March 3-22. The VAE featured a new mission and even more action than ever before!

 

The new VAE provides participants with a new combat mission, upgraded weapon systems, a revamped 180-degree screen set-up and an expanded interactive area. Rodeo goers were so impressed with the VAE that they returned several times to test and improve their skills on the one-of-a-kind virtual battlefield. Participants also had the chance to meet a number of the new VAE Subject Matter Experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the VAE.

 

America’s Army Real Heroes SGT Jason Mike and SGT Tommy Rieman also made appearances in Houston. While at the Rodeo, both were invited to attend a meet and greet hosted by country music superstar, Toby Keith. SGT Mike and SGT Rieman were honored to meet country legend and introduce him to the America’s Army Real Heroes program.

 

Six Flags Over  Texas:

Spring Breakers visiting Six Flags Over Texas took a break from the roller coasters and bumper cars to take a virtual test drive of Soldiering. From March 16-22, the VAE debuted at Six Flags Over Texas. Theme park attendees enthusiastically greeted our new America’s Army Real Hero, SFC Robert Groff. SFC Groff received a Bronze Star with Valor for his role in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Look for SFC Groff at future VAE events. And check back for more information on SFC Groff on the America’s Army website in the coming months.

 

During 2008, the VAE will once again visit close to 40 events. Upcoming events include:

 

• Six Flags Over Georgia – Atlanta, GA
• Prairie Air Show – Peoria, IL
• Coastal Carolina Air Show – Wilmington, NC
• Vidalia Onion Festival – Vidalia, GA

 

Make sure to visit the VAE when it makes a stop in your area. The full 2008 schedule is available at http://vae.americasarmy.com.

The VAE Makes Its Final Stop for 2007!

Last weekend the VAE made its final appearance for 2007. The VAE was in Miami for the NASCAR FORD 400 at Homestead International Speedway. The VAE was open from Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18, and attracted many eager NASCAR fans. America’s Army Real Hero SGT Jason Mike was back on site to share his compelling story.

 

It has been quite a year on the road with the VAE! The VAE has traveled thousands of miles across the country and has made an appearance at 40 different events. During 2007, more than 70,000 people had the chance to take a virtual test drive of what it’s like to be a Soldier and gain a new understanding about the U.S. Army.

 

The VAE will be off the road through the end of the year, but will be back with a full schedule of events in 2008, with a new-season kick off at the All American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, on January 5. Be sure to check back in early 2008 for full schedule details. The VAE will also have some new features next year that you don’t want to miss!

 

Happy Holidays from the VAE crew, and we look forward to seeing you in your area in 2008.

THE VAE VISITS OKLAHOMA!

The VAE made a stop at Oklahoma Airshow in Muskogee last weekend. We once again attracted a large number of participants who enjoyed the intensity of the VAE as they tested their skills on the virtual battlefield and experienced what it is like to be Soldier on a combat mission.

 

With only a few stops left for 2007, the VAE is nearing the end of this year’s schedule. You can find the VAE at the following locations:

 

November 2–4

NASCAR Dickies 500

Fort Worth, Texas

 

November 3–4

Randolph AFB Air Show

San Antonio, Texas

 

November 9–10

NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming 

Pensacola, Fla.

 

November 16–18

NASCAR Ford 400

Homestead, Fla.

 

Don’t miss your chance to see the VAE at a location near you!

The VAE Makes a Stop in Sunny California

This past weekend the VAE joined the USAF Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Golden Knights among the main attractions at the MCAS Miramar Air Show. More than 2,000 people got the chance to experience the VAE over the course of the weekend, to test their skills on the virtual battlefield. Participants were impressed with the virtual combat simulator and were honored to meet SGT Jason Mike, a Silver Star recipient and one of America’s Army Real Heroes.

 

The weekend was a great success with close to 700,000 people attending the Miramar Air Show. Visitors were excited to see a new jet demonstration team headlining this year’s show. For the past 35 years, the U.S. Navy Blue Angles have performed at the Miramar Air Show; however, this year it was the USAF Thunderbirds’ chance to take to the skies.

 

Other highlights included demonstrations of the MV-22 Osprey, F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter, F-22 Raptor, AV-8B Harrier, F/A-18 Super Hornet, a Russian MiG-17F, Shockley's “Shockwave” jet truck and a wing-walking team.

 

What’s Next?

This weekend you can find the VAE at the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show. America’s Army Real Hero SGT Tommy Rieman will be onsite over the course of the weekend, and you may even have the chance to be awarded one of his action figures! Full details of the VAE’s upcoming stop are listed below:

 

Where:

Alliance Airport

2221 Alliance Blvd.

Fort Worth, TX 76177

 

When:

Saturday, October 20, 2007, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 21, 2007, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

THE VAE GOES WEST

What’s Next?

This weekend you can find the VAE at the Miramar Air Show in San Diego, Calif. The VAE will be open for three days and is going to be one of the main attractions at the show. You will also have the opportunity to meet one of the America’s Army Real Heroes, SGT Jason Mike, and hear his story about how he became a Silver Star recipient. Full details of the VAE’s upcoming stop are listed below:

 

Where:

Marine Corps Air Station

2273 Elrod St.

San Diego, CA 92145

 

When:

Friday, October 12, 2007, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 13, 2007, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 14, 2007, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The VAE Steals the Show at Digital Life in NYC!

Last weekend the VAE was in New York City and took part in its first indoor show—Digital Life 2007. Digital Life is one of the largest consumer technology, gaming and entertainment events of the year, and the VAE staff was excited to be a part of it. Almost 1,500 people had the chance to experience the VAE over the weekend. One gaming Web site said that the VAE was “by far the most interactive and visceral demo station at Digital Life.” The VAE received a lot of press coverage; be sure to check out the following links to read more about the VAE:

 

GEEK.Com

http://www.geek.com/a-gamers-take-on-digital-life-07/

 

GGL WIRE

http://wire.ggl.com/2007/09/29/digitallife-2007-the-virtual-army-experience/

 

CNET

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9788521-1.html

 

SGT Tommy Rieman was onsite and recalls the events from the “Big Apple”:

 

The VAE seemed to be one of the biggest hits at the Digital Life in New York City. Participants were so impressed that the U.S. Army had created such a realistic interactive gaming experience.

 

We also gave attendees a sneak peek at the new America’s Army Xbox 360 game, America’s Army: True Soldier. Randy Greenback, the lead developer from Redstorm Entertainment, was onsite at the VAE to show the game off to interested fans. Gamers were pleased with latest gameplay, and expressed that they were excited for its release on October 25.

 

During Digital Life we were also excited to showcase the latest line-up of the America’s Army Action Figures, featuring Real Heroes. These action figures are now available in stores like Toys R Us!

 

One of my biggest highlights during the week was my trip to the FOX News studio when I appeared on “Fox and Friends” on Thursday, September 27. This was truly an amazing experience, and I was excited to talk about the new Xbox 360 game and the latest line of action figures.

 

America’s Army Real Hero

SGT Tommy Rieman

THE VAE TAKES PART IN A SPECIAL AIR SHOW IN MAINE

This past weekend the VAE made a special appearance at the Great State of Maine Air Show at the Brunswick Naval Air Station. The Great State of Maine Air Show has been an annual event for New England residents for the past 45 years. Sadly it all might be coming to an end. With the Brunswick base scheduled to close in 2011, the 2007 air show may have been the final one for the state of Maine. SGT Tommy Rieman recalls the events from the weekend:

 

“The VAE was proud to be a part of the Great State of Maine Air Show! More than 170,000 people came out and showed their support over the course of the weekend, despite the cold, rainy weather on Saturday. The VAE was definitely one of the main attractions. Participants patiently waited in line for almost 4 hours, just to get a taste of the VAE. The Blue Angles, the Golden Knights and a Monster Truck experience were also among the air show’s many attractions. Those waiting in line for the VAE also had the chance to get autographs by the Golden Knights. Fortunately, the weather cleared up on Sunday and it turned into the perfect day!”

 

SGT Tommy Rieman

America’s Army Real Hero

 

What’s Next?

This weekend you have the chance to visit the VAE at two different locations. Half of the VAE will be at the Mid-South Air Show in Millington, Tenn., and the other half will be at NASCAR’s Dodge Dealers 400 at Dover International Speedway. Full details of the VAE’s upcoming stops are listed below.

 

Mid-South Air Show

Where:

Millington Regional Jetport

8182 Hornet Avenue

Millington, TN 38053

 

When:

Saturday, September 22, 2007, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 23, 2007, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Dodge Dealers 400 – NASCAR

Where:

Dover International Raceway

1131 N. Dupont Highway

Dover DE 19901

 

When:

Friday, September 21, 2007, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday, September 22, 2007, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 23, 2007, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.