WISCASSET
No sequester issue at this air show. Wings over Wiscasset, a full day of entertainment scheduled for Aug. 6 at KIWI Municipal Airport, will be bigger and better than ever this year.
While the sequester has forced cancellation of The Great State of Maine Air Show in Brunswick, a group of pilots not subject to military budget cutbacks will bring their World War II-era planes to Wiscasset. Texas Flying Legends Museum pilots, donating their time, will entertain the crowd with their takeoffs, low pass-bys, landings and aerobatics show.
“They’re bringing three or four planes and they’ll provide a narrated performance,” said Kim Powers, fixed-base operator at the Municipal Airport. “This will be something.”
The Texas Flying Legends warbirds call their show “Voices of Freedom.” The Wings over Wiscasset show is entitled “Honoring Veterans while Inspiring Community.”
Tyson Voelkel is the Vice President for Operations for Capital Technologies, Inc. and the President of Texas Flying Legends Museum. Voelkel served for 14 years on active duty in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer, earning numerous awards for service in combat operations and also taught Leadership at The United States Military Academy at West Point. He continues his service in the military in the Army Reserves.
Voelkel co-founded Suits for Soldiers, a non-profit that assists veterans seeking employment as well as various entrepreneurial ventures. Also, he and his and his wife Christi founded The Lily Voelkel Foundation, dedicated to assisting deaf blind children and their families.
Warren Pietsch is vice president of operations and chief pilot In addition to flying Air Shows, Warren was a captain for a major airline for 20 years flying Lockheed 1011, B-727, B-737’s worldwide.
There is no admission to Wings over Wiscasset, though donations go to local charities. Wings over Wiscasset serves as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. Area sponsors pay expenses.
Gates open at 9 a.m.
“Early in the day,” Powers said, “it will be geared toward children. The antiques auto show and fireworks show both at firsts.”
Vans and busses will bring in senior citizens, who love talking to the pilots, she said.
The Texas Flying Legends begin their show at 5:15 p.m. A freedom-themed, USO-type show, “Music Doing Good,” begins at 7:30, followed by fireworks.
Aug. 7 is the rain date.
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