An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

315th crew participates in patriotic 9-11 fly-by

  • Published
  • By Capt. Wayne Capps
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --  Members of the 315th Airlift Wing had the unique opportunity to participate in a special celebration at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., to thank military members for their service to our country on the 5-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. 

An aircrew consisting of members from each flying squadron in the wing flew a fly-by in a C-17 Globemaster III, for the Carolina Panthers' season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 10, 2006. The fly-by directly followed the National Anthem performed by country music star Julie Roberts. 

"It is important to let the taxpayer know what we do, so they can feel safe at night'" said Maj. Doug Slipko, 701 AS, and aircraft commander for the mission. Maj. Slipko also stated it is "important for us to highlight our nation's airpower and show America what we are made of". 

Tech. Sgt. Michael Lang, a loadmaster with the 701 AS, also reflected his experience, "It made me feel proud to be part of an organization that fights in the war on terror and is out in front." 

Following the fly-by, the crew was able to land the C-17 at the nearby N.C. Air National Guard Base and participate in halftime festivities. All members of the crew were given an on-field introduction during the halftime show, along with several other patriotic events. 

The other events include a performance by the Citadel's Summerall Guards and a presentation of the colors by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department while a large United States flag covered the entire playing field as Julie Roberts sang America the Beautiful. 

The Panthers in conjunction with the Freedom Calls Foundation also connected area families via satellite during halftime from Bank of America Stadium, to deployed loved ones in Iraq as a show of thanks for their service.