Freedom's Call Tattoo aims to please the entire family

Published June 11, 2009
By Josh Aycock
88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The fifth annual Air Force Materiel Command's Freedom's Call Tattoo is scheduled to take place June 26 on the grounds of the National Museum of the United States Air Force with a number of events the whole family can enjoy.

Gates open for the free event at 4:30 p.m. allowing plenty of time for visitors to take in all their favorite attractions before Tattoo begins at 8 p.m.

For those unfamiliar with a military tattoo, it is a time-honored military tradition, featuring ceremonial musical performances, historical narration with aircraft flyovers and evening fireworks. This year's Tattoo will highlight the ties between America's Greatest Generation military heroes from WWII and the veterans from today's Armed Services.

"Veterans from both eras have provided so much to our country," said Dave Egner, Tattoo director. "Freedom's Call Tattoo is a perfect way to highlight the bond between the two."

Joining the ranks of the veterans on stage will be 30 new Air Force recruits for a swearing-in ceremony.

"There is a real benefit from doing events like these," said Egner. "Last year we brought in 44 new Airmen from the contacts they made with our recruiters here."

Favorites from previous years will be back, along with some new attractions like the USAF Recruiting Services X-1 Supercar. The newly unveiled AF X-1, a modified Ford Mustang converted to resemble the inside of an F-16 Fighting Falcon, will provide visitors a chance to learn about the AF and the diverse career fields offered.

The supercar will not be the only technology sensation that visitors can interact with, an expanded version of last year's popular Technology Exhibit will be back at Tattoo. With almost 5,000 square feet of tent space and 12 exhibitors, the exhibit has grown to give patrons a more in-depth look at technologies developed at Wright-Patt. Some of the new additions include an F-35 Lighting II pilot training aid and a NASA astronaut suit.

"The Technology Exhibit gives people a chance to see things they might not know we do here at Wright-Patt," said Jim Palmer, technology exhibit director. "It's definitely the best one we've done yet."

Visitors can also expect to see another lineup of great musical acts scheduled to perform. Country artist and producer Aaron Tippin will perform for the 75 thousand people expected to attend. For nearly 20 years, Mr. Tippin has been performing for audiences and military members at home and abroad. The gold and platinum recording artist is scheduled to take the stage at 9 p.m.

Pre-Tattoo entertainment from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., will include a performance by local band "Blind Spot." The six member band is a regular at local community establishments and festivals. They have a wide audience appeal due to a unique blend of music from all genres.

"I've had the privilege of hearing a sneak preview of what the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight will be performing for us this year, and let me just say wow, people are really going to be entertained," said Egner.

Family entertainment is one of the goals of the Tattoo, which means there will be plenty activities from which to choose.

A children's play area will be available for the whole family to share in the fun. Contracted through A&S Play Zone of Springboro, 12 inflatable's consisting of bungee runs, an 85-foot Adrenaline Rush Obstacle Course, a 22-foot rock wall, and extreme fun house and many more aim to provide hours of fun for the whole family.

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a camera. Please note for security reasons that coolers, backpacks, skateboards, in-line skates, weapons and glass bottles are not permitted. Strollers, infant diaper bags, cameras and their cases, small purses and pocketbooks are permitted, but subject to inspection.

For more information, log onto www.wpafb.af.mil/tattoo

Follow Tattoo updates on Twitter or MySpace: @AFMC_Now

X-1 Tattoo