Fifty years of heritage (edition 21) Published Aug. 25, 2011 By Eric M. White 910 AW/PA YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Building advocacy The Youngstown Air Reserve Station has typically welcomed a wealth of community support and partnership in its more than fifty year history. The 910th Airlift Wing hosts a vibrant tour program, welcoming community groups to a firsthand view of the reserve capability. Events like our annual Employer Awareness Day program, civic leader tours and educator flights provide the opportunity to build advocacy among community leaders and employers of reservists. In 1975, the 910th Tactical Fighter Group hosted what was then its most successful community outreach event. The open house welcomed 60,000 guests to the Youngstown Municipal to see the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and static displays from every branch of service. The following article, republished from the July 1975 issue of the Nine Ten Flyer, chronicles the efforts and success of the event. Record Crowd Sees Open House From the November 1975 Nine Ten Flyer A crowd of nearly 60,000 was awed by the precision flying of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds last month at the open house. It was a record crowd for any event at Youngstown Air Reserve Base. All elements of the armed forces were represented and aircraft were on hand from the Air Reserve, Air Guard, Army Reserve, Marines and Navy. The flight line Command Post had a busy day but reported the crowd as extremely well behaved. Less than 16 parents became lost from their children and lost and found items were at a bare minimum. Midway through the activities the Little Flyer Court, sponsored by the unit newspaper, the Nine Ten Flyer, was presented to the crowd. Cindy Pennell, 6, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Pennell of Niles, was named queen, and Todd Layman, 3, son of SSgt. And Mrs. Bob Layman , was the king. Other members of the court were Lisa Burrows, 3, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Burrows; Shea Cameron, 6, the daughter of Capt. And Mrs. Al Cameron; Jimmy Riley, 6, son of MSgt. And Mrs. Dean Riley, and Charles Gleydura III, 4, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gleydura. Each of the youngsters was presented a banner proclaiming his or her status, plus a certificate signed by Lt. Col. Billy R. Henderson, 910 Group Commander. Mrs. Georgia Lawrence of the Base Wives Club, presented a silver wings and other gifts to each member of the court. Booths were operated by various recruiting services as well as sections of the 910th. Civil Air patrol cadets put on rescue demonstrations and were notable by their valuable assistance everywhere. Senior members of the CAP also were on hand helpful. The Fire Department put on a demonstration of their ability and the Trumbull County Radio Control Club flew model aircraft during part of the day and the Warren Junior Military Band performed for the crowd. Col. Henderson commented at the conclusion of the event on how much he was pleased with all that had gone on. He also expressed his appreciation to everyone who participated. He said it would be impossible to name everyone.