We live close to a military base, so it’s not uncommon for us to hear (and often see) jets and helicopters flying overhead during the day and night.
I’ve always enjoyed and been fascinated by aircraft. I volunteered for two years in high school, working at an air show. I did everything from sinking fenceposts for crowd control to guiding aircraft to their hangar or staging area. That gave me several superb memories and exceptional access to the performers, pilots, and aircraft.
Since that time, I have attended numerous airshows as a spectator. I bring my camera with me, photograph the static displays, and anxiously await the aerial maneuvers of the stunt pilots and the precision flying of the military aviators.
Before moving to South Carolina, we were in the flight line of a major civilian airport. We had the large jets fly overhead every day and night. The fact those behemoth aircraft, laden with cargo and passengers, can get off the ground and transport someone hundreds of miles away in mere hours still amazes me.
But there is something special about the sound of military jets. Every time I hear them overhead, I can’t help but smile. I’m thankful for their training, protection, and sacrifice to keep us safe and free.
