Tristar
Pattern Altitude
The heat index rose to 112 today across the Lincoln, NE area. Faces were red and water was as precious as gold but nothing topped the encouragement that could be heard across the ramp from hundreds of fellow volunteers as athletes both young and old stepped out of the jets. Over 176 citations ranging from the 525 all the way up to the Citation X volunteered their services, time, and pilots to be a part of this special event. Over 1,000 athletes walked through those hanger doors to start the beginning of what will be a memorable week.
I was part of a small group of escorts. Our job was to help welcome our new found friends from the aircraft and direct them to the hanger for registration and some great live music. We had an awesome welcoming committee. Each citation was directed center stage to a sideline full of waving and cheering volunteers from the FAA, Cessna, and escorts. During deplaning, each passenger and pilot was greeted with a hearty nebraska welcome. It was so exciting as a volunteer to be next to the plane. The greatest thank you was from the excited athletes that gave us hugs, handshakes, and big smiles. Utah coaches were ecstatic and said, "you have no idea how much we appreciate you guys!" From the airplane, they followed us while we cheered into a huge "tube" of volunteers giving high fives and of course more hugs. The Olympic torch runners were even handing out beads to all the participants.
The pilots and volunteers were not forgotten though. Sponsors provided us with tents full of water, pizza, and snacks. The FAA brought a big screen TV that showed each of the "dove" scheduled flights. Dove is the nick name for each special Olympics aircraft. At one point there were over 5,049 aircraft in the airspace system. Lincoln clearance was also on hand to answer questions. I asked one of the ladies if they allowed us to visit the tower now, she said yes and to just give her a call anytime. I'm happy to hear that!
This is just the beginning for all the athletes and many volunteers. This week will be full of events and gold medals across the lincoln area as participants compete in track, bowling, swimming and other sports. I noticed an awesome comrodere between the athletes. Even though teams will be competing against each other, many stuck around to encourage other teams as they stepped off the other aircraft. It was like they hadn't seen each other in years! This is how all competitions should be..."friendly."
The last airplane we escorted arrived around 4:20 from Washington which was just in time. I think the volunteers were starting to loose their voices and eager to take a nice cold shower. Just before we all left, a gathering of volunteers was held in front of the gigantic "2010 CITATION SPECIAL OLYMPICS AIRLIFT" banner for a group photo. It was quite an exciting day and rewarding in more ways than one.
I was part of a small group of escorts. Our job was to help welcome our new found friends from the aircraft and direct them to the hanger for registration and some great live music. We had an awesome welcoming committee. Each citation was directed center stage to a sideline full of waving and cheering volunteers from the FAA, Cessna, and escorts. During deplaning, each passenger and pilot was greeted with a hearty nebraska welcome. It was so exciting as a volunteer to be next to the plane. The greatest thank you was from the excited athletes that gave us hugs, handshakes, and big smiles. Utah coaches were ecstatic and said, "you have no idea how much we appreciate you guys!" From the airplane, they followed us while we cheered into a huge "tube" of volunteers giving high fives and of course more hugs. The Olympic torch runners were even handing out beads to all the participants.
The pilots and volunteers were not forgotten though. Sponsors provided us with tents full of water, pizza, and snacks. The FAA brought a big screen TV that showed each of the "dove" scheduled flights. Dove is the nick name for each special Olympics aircraft. At one point there were over 5,049 aircraft in the airspace system. Lincoln clearance was also on hand to answer questions. I asked one of the ladies if they allowed us to visit the tower now, she said yes and to just give her a call anytime. I'm happy to hear that!
This is just the beginning for all the athletes and many volunteers. This week will be full of events and gold medals across the lincoln area as participants compete in track, bowling, swimming and other sports. I noticed an awesome comrodere between the athletes. Even though teams will be competing against each other, many stuck around to encourage other teams as they stepped off the other aircraft. It was like they hadn't seen each other in years! This is how all competitions should be..."friendly."
The last airplane we escorted arrived around 4:20 from Washington which was just in time. I think the volunteers were starting to loose their voices and eager to take a nice cold shower. Just before we all left, a gathering of volunteers was held in front of the gigantic "2010 CITATION SPECIAL OLYMPICS AIRLIFT" banner for a group photo. It was quite an exciting day and rewarding in more ways than one.
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