Several members of the U.S. Air Force’s ACC A-10 Thunderbolt II demonstration team will return to their familiar surroundings at the Wings Over North Georgia Drive-In Hybrid Air Show 2021.
Four of the ten-person teams come from cities that are less than two hours’ drive from the airport of the air show in Rome. The two-day event will take place October 30-31 at Richard B. Russell Airport.
The team commander is Captain Haden “Gator” Fullam from Rising Fawn. As the pilot of the A-10 Thunderbolt, Fullam is also responsible for operational oversight and guidance, including maintenance and public relations. Fullam joined the US Air Force to pay tribute to his grandfathers. Both served as fighter pilots during the Vietnam conflict. Fullam’s brother Jay and sister-in-law Erin also serve as A-10 pilots in the Air Force.
Additional team members from the surrounding communities include Staff Sgt. Hunter Nance of Gadsden, Alabama. Nance is an avionics technician and dedicated crew chief. Staff Sgt. Robert Benson is from Lawrenceville and is an EnE technician. The four is rounded off by Senior Airman Jacob Stephens from Buford. Stephens handles public affairs on behalf of the organization.
The A-10 Demo Team is part of the 355th Squadron based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona. For the 2021 season, the twin-engine jet aircraft will have a paint job from the Vietnam War, which gives the A-10 pilot special significance in view of his grandfather’s military service. The special edition will also include the names of 97 members of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing who made the ultimate sacrifice or were captured during military service.
“It’s a great opportunity for me and the rest of the team to get back to the area we all grew up in. We are excited to present our work at our air shows across the country, “said Senior Airman Stephens,” Capt. Fullam will demonstrate the amazing capabilities of the A-10 to a home audience while Staff Sgt. Nance and Staff Sgt. Benson will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the aircraft is in tip-top shape for its performance. My role is unique in that it allows me to communicate the various ways we support the mission to advance the team and the U.S. Forces and We’re excited to share the A-10 with the northwest Georgia community and demonstrate their battle skills in an area we all know and love. We look forward to meeting family and old friends and making new acquaintances to do in familiar surroundings. “
The Wings Over North Georgia Air Show 2021 will use a hybrid format that, in addition to the club seats on the terrace on the hill, also offers a drive-in with a tailgate view. Those who purchase a general airfield parking ticket will receive a 10 x 20 foot parking space for one vehicle with an adjacent 10 x 20 foot parking space to enjoy the air show with friends and family in a tailgate shape. The premium ticket covers entry for the car charge. The maximum number of people per load depends on the number of seat belts installed by the manufacturer. The ticket option for the terrace on the hill includes a table, chairs, and umbrella for groups of six.
“Every year we’ve made improvements and enhancements to keep delivering one of the best airshow experiences in the United States,” said John Cowman, President of JLC AirShow Management. “The Wings Over North Georgia Air Show was recently voted USA Today’s No. 7 World’s Most Popular Air Show and is also a premier fall event in northwest Georgia. Our ninth annual air show promises to be our best yet. “
Other acts that round off the line-up of world-class artists are: the US Navy Blue Angels to celebrate their 75th anniversary, the US Army SOCOM Black Daggers, the US Air Force C-17 Globemaster II, the Scott Farnsworth Aerosports Racing Team, Michael Goulian, Mike Wiskus, Greg Koontz, Scott “Scooter” Yoak in the P-51 Mustang and Jerry “Jive” Kirby in the T-28 Mad Dog. The pre-show screenings begin at 10 a.m. each day, and the main show screenings begin at noon.
For more information about the show, follow the air show’s Facebook page or visit the Wings Over North Georgia website at www.WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com.
