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Making the rounds with the Mini

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt Joe Simms
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON AFB S.C. --  A mini C-17 replica from the 315th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. greeted visitors at the Family Circle Cup Tennis Center in Charleston Monday, April 12.

Each spring since 2001, thousands of tennis fans from around the world descend on Charleston for the Family Circle Cup Women's Tennis Tournament.

The mini C-17 replica is a community outreach tool that educates the public on the C-17 mission and capabilities, as well the Air Force Reserve and Charleston AFB.

Tech Sergeant Elizabeth Holzbaur an Air Reserve Technician with the 315th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is one of about 20 team members that travel around the country with "The Mini".

"The mini is the best asset the 315th has a recruiting tool," she said. "When we  take it out to events it never fails that we turn heads."

"The first question we are always asked is 'does it fly?'," Sergeant Holzbaur continued.

While the team totals about 20 members, only around five travel to each event. Team members are responsible for assembling and disassembling the aircraft, transportation and setting up all the audio and video compontens at the events in addition to their day-to-day jobs as Reservists.

"The mini team is like a family, we take pride in what we do and take it seriously but know how to make it fun also," Sergeant Holzbaur said.

Next up for the mini team is an airshow at March AFB Calif. later this month.