Historic Air and Ag Show Gets Underway

  • Published
  • By Captain Peter Shinn
  • OTS Det 12/AMS
Sioux City, Iowa --  Colonel Bud Day Field in Sioux City, Iowa, is the site for what may be a one-of-a-kind event in Air Force history. It's the 185th Air Refueling Wing's first ever Sioux City Air and Ag Show, featuring static displays and demonstrations of more than 20 vintage and modern U.S. aircraft, as well as more than 40 pieces of agricultural equipment.

Colonel Brian Miller is commander of the 185th Air Refueling Wing. He's also a part-time farmer. Colonel Miller noted that a large number of 185th members are heavily involved in the agriculture industry. According to Miller, that is one reason the Sioux City Air and Ag Show is a near-perfect reflection of the local community.

"It's just a natural fit," Miller explained. "The Air Guard is Siouxland's sixth-largest employer, and if you look at it, this is a huge agricultural area."

The event is free of charge to the public. Miller said it's his way of thanking the local community for providing such outstanding personnel to the 185th.

"Our people have a tremendous Midwest work-ethic," said Miller. "That's because we have great families here in Siouxland," he added. "You can have all the whiz-bang equipment in the world, but without good, smart people to run it, it's not worth much."

Lieutenant Colonel Kurt Kindschuh, 185th Air Refueling Chief of Training, organized the Sioux City Air and Ag Show. He conceded that combining an air show with an agricultural equipment exhibit might seem odd to someone outside the Corn Belt. But Kindschuh, who also farms as a hobby, pointed out it makes sense for this part of the world.

"It's probably a unique spin," he said. "But agriculture is such a big part of the Siouxland community in terms of dollars and livelihoods for people, so why not have an ag-type exhibit at your airshow?"

The Sioux City Air and Ag Show is slated for Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. Flying demonstrations begin at noon on both days.

The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the 185th Air Refueling Wing, the Iowa Air National Guard, the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense of the external website, or information, products, or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Services/Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the United States Air Force does not exercise editorial control over the information users may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of the website.