ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Team Andrews is busily preparing for the annual Joint Services Open House running May 15 through 17.
Lieutenant Col. Andrew Lourake, 316th Plans and Programs director and JSOH chairman, has the significant responsibility of looking at the air show from a bird's - or Thunderbird's - eye view.
For eleven months out of the year, Colonel Lourake is busy preparing and planning for the air show and ensures that details are not overlooked. In his third year planning JSOH, and his fourth air show in his career, Colonel Lourake still gets a thrill at displaying the nation's military aircraft.
"The highlight of the upcoming air show is being able to show the general public - who are not military related - our aircraft and have them interact with our military members and our hardware," Colonel Lourake said. "It's important to have the public, who pays for the equipment and salaries, to see what they are paying for. We want it also to be a family fun event so the general public can see how great military life is. Ultimately, we hope that this one-on-one activity might peak interest in someone who might want to join our ranks."
Colonel Lourake is taking extra steps to ensure that the popularity of JSOH does not interfere with the public's overall experience. Last year, overwhelming crowds at FedEx Field made getting on base difficult for those wanting to attend the air show.
"It's always a challenge busing hundreds of thousands of people to the air show in an orderly and timely manner," Colonel Lourake explained. "Last year's challenges will turn into this year's successes because we've learned and adapted. We didn't do a great job last year with transportation from FedEx Field due to the overwhelming number of people who wanted to come out. This year, we've doubled our number of buses, security personnel, and security screening areas, so it will all be smooth with little to no lines."
This year's JSOH features a wide variety of air and ground demonstrations from military, government agencies and civilian performers. Colonel Lourake has planned a jam-packed weekend, with the highlights being the new F-22 Raptor, the Air Force Thunderbirds, and the Army Golden Knights celebrating their 50th anniversary.
About 125 Team Andrews' members are ensuring that this year's JSOH is the best yet, and each has their own job to fulfill.
"There are more events going on behind the curtain than in front. Every one of them, and every person involved, is an integral part of making the show a success," Colonel Lourake said.
The three-day air show begins May 15 for Department of Defense ID cardholders and school-sponsored children and is open to the general public on May 16 and May 17. Admission is free.