Playing Hookie at BroncoFest VI

I did something for myself today. I didn't tell anyone, I just did it. This kind of personal time is important, because it not only recharges the batteries, but being selfish for a few hours fills me with motivational guilt, and I'm extra productive afterwards.

Today's trip was to Ft. Worth Meacham Airport, home of the OV-10 Bronco Association, for the Bi-Annual BroncoFest. I've been a fan of the OV-10 for more than twenty years now, and this was something I simply couldn't pass up.

So, what's so special about the Bronco? Well, just look at it. My feelings for the bird were summed up very eloquently by a Vietnam Vet who was there with his wife. "I fell in love with this plane the first time I saw it. It's just the strangest looking thing." Then he added an opinion I hope to one day share through first-hand knowledge - "It flies like a dream." (sigh)

The Bronco was used between Vietnam and Desert Storm as an observation platform for Forward Air Controllers who sought out enemy targets and worked to ensure the fighters didn't accidentally hit the good guys. But this all started just a few months after my birth, so I didn't learn about the OV-10 until much later.

In the mid-80's, a bunch of Broncos were stationed at Wheeler Air Force Base on Oahu, and they regularly flew missions up around our side of the island. I spent many an hour of marching band practice distracted by the unique, graceful airplanes flying overhead. They became an instant favorite.

I now live just thirty minutes from the world headquarters of an organization dedicated to preserving the history of this plane. They threw a party, and I felt I had to attend. I'm always looking for an excuse to go to the airport, anyway.

Comments

Tristi Pinkston said…
I know absolutely nothing about planes and so I don't 100% identify, but I sense your passion and so I cheer you on! It sounds like you had a great time and I'm glad you had that time off.
10/29/07, 1:26 PM
Josi said…
does it count to tell you how much my husband loves the Denver Broncos? They're playing tonight, by the way.

Thanks for stopping by my blog--it was great to see you again. And you're kids are lucky to have a dad that makes Halloween fun (my kids would like to be rented out to a family like yours this time of year)
10/29/07, 8:14 PM
Don said…
Tristi - Dutch is going to need some forward air support, so it's time to start learning the planes.

Josi - In my one year of little kid football, the Broncos were the only team to beat us, and their win came from a controversial call by the ref. 30 years later, I guess I'm still a little sore about that...
10/30/07, 6:05 AM
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