After a 2 year break due to the pandemic, America’s Freedom Fest, is returning to the Goshen Municipal Airport, Saturday, July 9, 2022.
Headlining this year’s event will be the United States Air Force (USAF) A-10 Demonstration Team. Air Combat Command announced at the 2021 International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) that America’s Freedom Fest had been selected to host the USAF A-10 Demonstration Team.
Airport Manager Randy Sharkey said America’s Freedom Fest is ranked as one of the largest single day air shows in the country, attracting 25,000 – 30,000 spectators. This year’s show will be one of the best yet, with the USAF A-10 Demonstration Team, he added.
“There are only a handful of shows selected each year that receive a military jet demo and we are fortunate to have showed up on their radar,” Sharkey said. Unlike previous military participation at Goshen Air shows, the A-10 Thunderbolt II will be staging their operations at the Goshen Airport.
In 2019 America’s Freedom Fest hosted the F-22 Raptor, however due to runway restrictions the Air Force staged at the Battle Creek MI Airport. Sharkey added, “This will be a first for us where we are able to provide ground support services for a USAF military fighter jet.”
Spectators at the show will be able to get up close to the A-10. The A-10 is the Air Force’s premier close air support aircraft, providing invaluable protection to troops on the ground.
The Air Combat Command A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, stationed out of Davis-Montham Air Force Base, Arizona, brings the aircraft to air shows across the country to showcase the unique combat capabilities of the A-10 “Warthog.” The pilot and aircraft will perform precision aerial maneuvers, while highlighting the mission and professionalism of the men and women of the United States Air Force.
Additionally, the team brings attention to the Air Force’s proud history by flying formations with historical aircraft in the presentation of the Air Force Heritage Flight.
Piloted by Major Haden “Gator” Fullam of the 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Montham, the A-10 will perform a full tactical demonstration with live pyrotechnics as part of their participation in the 2022 Edition of America’s Freedom Fest.
In addition to his role as the A-10 demonstration Team Pilot, Major Fullam has accumulated more than 1,800 flying hours, including 541 combat hours in missions over Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Operation Freedom Sentinel and Operation Resolute Support. Prior to his current position he served as an Instructor Pilot and Assistant Director of Operations for the 354th Fighter Squadron, Davis-Montham.
Major Fullam will be joined by a civilian qualified Heritage Flight Program Pilot/Aircraft following his full demonstration in the presentation of the Heritage Flight (watch for details as the pilot and aircraft for the Heritage Flight are confirmed later this spring).
The A-10 Demonstration Team and the Heritage Flight will headline an unparalleled cast of civilian performers, aircraft and entertainment scheduled for America’s Freedom Fest 2022.
Attendees can anticipate an incredible and varied air show line-up to include: Randy Ball & the Mig-17, Chris Darnell & the Shockwave Jet Truck, Red Bull Helicopter Air shows, The Phillips 66 Aerostars 3 ship Aerobatic Team, Susan Dacy Barnstorming America in the super Stearman Biplane, Michael Vakin in the Extra 300, Bob Richards in “Machaira”, Rotors N Ribs helicopter performers and so much more!
In a Salute to America’s Freedom, the airshow activities will culminate with an incomparable fireworks display by the Madbomber Fireworks Production Company.
For more information on performers, private chalets, sponsorship opportunities and advance tickets go to www.americasfreedomfest.net. America’s Freedom Fest is an Indiana 501c3 corporation.
