As the 2008 VAE Tour Winds Down, the VAE Continues Army Strong
The Virtual Army Experience is slowly winding down its 2008 touring schedule, but October proved to be a busy month. The VAE visited four air shows during the month, making appearances in California, Texas and Arkansas. During October more than 7,000 people had the chance to experience the VAE.
MCAS Miramar Air Show
The VAE returned to the MCAS Miramar Air Show this year – but this time in its Charlie configuration. The three day show was action-packed. From October 3-5, the VAE opened its doors to southern California residents and provided them with the opportunity to experience Soldiering at one of the largest air shows in the country. The local recruiting battalion sent a number of Army assets to complement the VAE. On Sunday, they set-up an Armed Forces challenge in front of the VAE. During the challenge, select members of the Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy took part in rock wall and pull-up competitions. While the Marines took home the gold in the pull-ups, the Army was victorious in the rock wall competition. Coverage of the challenge was broadcast live on Good Morning San Diego Weekend.
Amigo Airsho
While VAE Charlie was on the west coast, the Bravo configuration was in the southwest, at the Amigo Airsho in El Paso, TX. The air show, which was held on Biggs Army Airfield at Ft. Bliss, attracted crowds from all across New Mexico and Texas. On October 4 & 5, attendees mounted up in humvees and the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and tested their skills on the virtual battlefield. Participants also explored various career opportunities that the Army offers and met Soldiers, including America’s Army Real Hero, SGT Tommy Rieman. The VAE was by far the largest attraction on the flight line and while high winds kept some of the aerial performances grounded, the VAE had long lines and satisfied participants both throughout.
Fort Worth Alliance Air Show
From October 11-12, the VAE headed to the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show in its Alpha configuration. The VAE was even more popular than during its 2007 appearance at the show. Air show goers lined up for hours to get the opportunity to experience the VAE and meet America’s Army Real Hero SGT Tommy Rieman. Over the weekend more than 2,000 people tested their skills inside the VAE. The Dallas/ Fort Worth area hosted an action-packed weekend, as the air show landed on the same weekend as the highly anticipated Red River Shootout – Texas vs. Oklahoma. Luckily Texas fans celebrated after defeating Oklahoma 45-35.
Air Power Arkansas Air Show
Following the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, the VAE made the short trip to Little Rock, AR for Airpower Arkansas at Little Rock Air Force Base. VAE Alpha had a prime spot on the flight line and the line of attendees ready to step onto the virtual battlefield was hours long all weekend. Little Rock Air Force Base is the training base for C-130 crew members from all branches of the military and the air show included an impressive demonstration of 300 paratroopers jumping out of seven C-130’s at the same time! Between the big drop and the VAE, Airpower Arkansas was a great success.
Louis W. Fox Academic & Technical High School
Wrapping up the month, the VAE headed to San Antonio and opened its doors to high school students from Louis W. Fox Academic & Technical High School. After school on Friday, October 24, 2008, students had the chance to meet Soldiers and take a virtual test drive of the U.S. Army.
With only two events left for 2008 – VAE staff looks forward to seeing you at an upcoming VAE event!

