Air Force jobs, people on display during Air Force Week Salt Lake City

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AFNS) --  Pioneer Park here has been transformed into an Air Force "playground" during Air Force Week Salt Lake City.

The park is the site for the "Our Nation's Defenders Showcase," an event that highlights Air Force specialties, skills and people through exhibits, interactive games and various demonstrations.

The event, which began June 1 and runs through June 3, provides an opportunity for Salt Lake City residents to interact with Airmen and see what they do on a daily basis.

"I think it's awesome," said Mary Trainer, a visitor at the event. "It's nice to be able to see all these neat exhibits and learn about all the stuff the Air Force does."

These exhibits include the Air Force monster truck, "Afterburner," the Air Force motorcycle designed by the Orange County Choppers craftsmen, a recruiting stand with interactive games and information, and a security forces weapons and equipment display.

"I enjoyed looking at the jet," Ms. Trainer said, referring to the static display of a Thunderbird aircraft also at the park.

But the event isn't just about static displays and passing out information. There are numerous demonstrations and performances taking place that are designed to please both young and old.

The band Max Impact, a new performance unit with the United States Air Force Band, performs a "Lunch in the Park" concert every day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The band performes contemporary music, including hip-hop, pop and some orginal songs.

"We just love traveling all over and performing for people," said Master Sgt. Regina Coonrad, a vocalist with the band, which is based out of Washington, D.C. "And it's great to be a part of Air Force Week."

The United States Air Force Honor Guard also performs every day from 1 to 2 p.m. and the 75th Security Forces Squadron holds military working dog demonstrations from 3 to 4 p.m.

"It's all so exciting," said Jesse Corvaldi, another visitor to the event. "I really like the band and I've been singing and dancing my heart out with them."

The "Our Nation's Defenders Showcase" is free and open to the public. Other events are scheduled throughout the city as part of Air Force Week Salt Lake City, including concerts by Tops in Blue and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and an open house and air show at nearby Hill Air Force Base June 6 and 7.

For more information or a schedule of events, visit www.airforceweek.af.mil.