This weekend at May Fly, the US Army will present the Virtual Army Experience (VAE) – a 9700 sq. ft. self contained multi-media virtual experience of Soldiering in today’s high tech Army. This high-tech, team-based experience is comprised of 35 big screen monitors, full size simulated military equipment, and requires over 35 computers with over 260 gigs of computer processing power. Appearing with the VAE is one of America’s Army Real Heroes, Sergeant Jason Mike, a veteran of the Iraqi Freedom campaign and Silver Star recipient.
Open to those attending May Fly, the Army VAE offers a life size virtual test drive of the U.S. Army in an interactive multi-media simulation housed in a self contained 9,700 sq foot unit. This experience immerses participants in the operational roles of Soldiers in today’s high tech Army, offering participants their choice of a variety of activities. Participants employ teamwork, rules of engagement, leadership and high-tech equipment as they take part in a virtual mission. They can also play the popular America’s Army PC game against real Soldiers.
Also present at the VAE are America’s Army Real Heroes, soldiers who have distinguished themselves in combat and earned citations for bravery and valor. Sergeant Jason Mike will appear at May Fly this weekend. He was awarded the Silver Star as the result of combat in Iraq, in particular an ambush of his unit on Palm Sunday, 2005. His is a story of dedication to his team, solid training, and willingness to engage. Meet him and learn of his experience at the VAE, located inside the festival gates and open to the public both days during May Fly.
MAY FLY returns to Florence on Memorial Day Weekend May 24 - 25, 2008 at the Florence Regional Airport. Effective this year, May Fly will be a bi-annual event. That’s right, after this year’s show there will be a year’s hiatus before May Fly returns to the skies over Florence in 2010. Be sure to mark your calendar this year, BECAUSE YOU WON’T SEE THIS SHOW AGAIN UNTIL 2010. Don’t miss the best Memorial Day May Fly ever this year – it’ll be great!
May Fly Admission is the same as last year - FREE TO CHILDREN UNDER 12 and ALL MILITARY IDs. People over age 12 pay $15 at the gate. $12 discount tickets can be purchased and printed on website thru “ClickNPrint”. Discount tickets are also available at Piggly Wiggly stores in north east South Carolina through show days. FREE PARKING is included with admission.
This affordably priced, family friendly festival offers more than a thrill filled afternoon air show. There are airplane and helicopter rides, and military war birds on the static line for up close examination. Displays from classic cars and antique tractors to boats, trucks and RVs keep you entertained - even a multi media virtual reality experience! There are bouncy rides for active kids and an affordable food court with a variety of good eats from meals to snack treats. The gates and flight line will open at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday, and will close at 5:00 p.m. both days, with flying beginning after noon.
The official announcement has been made from USAF headquarters at Langley Air Force Base. The USAF Viper East F-16 Demo Team team will return this year to give their special demonstration of the unique capabilities this premier fighting jet. Their high flying and maneuvering display astonished the crowd and brought everyone to their feet last year. Piloted this year by Captain George “Dog” Clifford, the F-16 Viper East Demo team is based at nearby Shaw AFB in Sumter.
Legendary retired USN Captain Dale “Snort” Snodgrass in his graceful F-86 Sabre jet returns to join the F-16 Viper East in the Heritage Flight tribute. The swept back wing design of the F-86 is a unique and memorable silhouette in the sky, especially in tandem with the F-16. In the Heritage Flight, generations of fighter pilots pay tribute to all who have flown in defense of this country in every war. It is a recognized honor and privilege for these pilots to present this flight at our show.
