Thunder Over Augusta

Thunder Over Augusta Exhibits & Demonstrations:

The listed exhibitions are confirmed and the list will be updated with more to come. Our updated confirmations will be added by April 30th, 2008.

US Airforce Fly-by - In honor of the opening cerimony, we have a multi-jet fly-by. This exhibit will be

performed by the 20th Fighter Group Shaw A.F.B. , SC. Shaw Air Force Base is home to the Air Force's largest combat F-16 wing -- the 20th Fighter Wing -- whose mission is to provide, project and sustain combat-ready air forces. Shaw also serves as home to Headquarters Ninth Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central, whose primary mission is to project decisive air and space power for U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) and America.

Tuskegee Airmen: The Colon-Dryden Greater Augusta Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen will be set up with an exhibit at Thunder Over Augusta.

Multiple Helicopter display and exhibit, accompanied by take off during the afternoon festivities.

CH-47D Chinook and the unit bringing it in is the 5/159th Aviation Regiment from Ft. Eustis, VA. The other helicopter is a UH-60 Blackhawk and the unit is D/5-159th Aviation Regiment from Clearwater, FL.

Medal of Honor recipients to meet with the public:
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress, it is often called the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The President, in the name of Congress, has awarded more than 3,400 Medals of Honor to our nation's bravest Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen since the decoration's creation in 1861.
Click here to learn more about the Medal of Honor award.

Military Police Working Dog Demonstrations
Don't miss the demonstrations and watch as Soldiers of the Military Police Working Dogs Kennels

demonstrate the abilities of their K-9 friends. The dogs are used to assist the military in a variety ofways, including the location of explosives and drugs and the protection of VIPs, as well as our Soldiers in combat.

The Military Police will hold several working dog demos during the event. Times will be posted on your program.

Miltary Combat Display - With the battlefield changing to urban operations, close quarters combat was revised. Modern Army combatives is now an integral part of a Soldier's training. Army combatives is comprised of several forms of martial arts. From the concept of positional dominance, Jiu-Jitsu was

expanded to the other ranges of combat and blended with techniques from wrestling, boxing, Muay Thai and Judo, to name just a few. Weapons fighting lessons come from Kali. The techniques learned have proven to be very effective to Soldiers out on the battlefield. Modern Army combatives is constantly changing due to the nature of today's battlefield, the equipment the Soldiers may be wearing and the missions they find themselves tasked to perform. Soldiers of the Regimental Noncommissioned Officer Academy will perform combative demonstrations during "Thunder Over Augusta." Watch them display and explain the latest techniques used in fighting our enemies.

Multiple Vehicle Simulators - Calling all car and motorcycle enthusiasts! You don't want to miss this 18-wheeler van that holds eight motorcycle and five automobile simulators. Come and try out these simulators while learning safety techniques when driving. Fort Gordon's Installation Safety Office will also have motorcycle safety and operator personal protective equipment (helmets, reflective vests, gloves, jackets, etc.) displays set up for your information. You will also have the opportunity to register for the Army Traffic Safety Training Program Courses for both automobiles and motorcycles. Local veteran motorcycle organizations will be on hand to talk to you about their projects and fundraisers for today and yesterday's military.

Chainsaw Chix - Have you ever seen a Chainsaw Chick? If not, or even if so, come check them out

Lisa, the Chick from the United States, will be showing off her talent with premium Husqvarna Chainsaws by carving a giant eagle for the event. Live exhibition and demonstration of chainsaw art presented by one of our sponsors, Husqvarna. Learn more at ChainsawChix.com

Nascar Display - Several Nascar Vehicles will be on display

Army Rockwall and Football Toss:
Come out and see just how far you can climb this simulated rock wall. Great fun and actually quite challenging. Are you as good as the Soldiers who travel with it? As another test for the Army, try the Football Toss where you can get your throwing arm in practice and see how many you can make out of
10 throws. Either way, to serve in the Army, you must be physically fit.

Opening Ceremony Support: 434th Army Band/Signal Corps Band and the joint service color guard. Fort Gordon's Joint Service Color Guard is made up of military personnel from each branch of service. The color guard falls under the Installation Support Platoon. They will be posting the colors at the opening ceremony at 2:30 p.m. The color guard represents Fort Gordon and the various branches of services throughout the Central Savannah River Area and surrounding counties by participating in patriotic ceremonies, funerals, parades and many other functions.

Multiple Exhibit Vehicles (MEV) Department of the Army H2 HUMMER with trailer. Vehicle features DVD system, Xbox, three plasma video screens, interactive camera and an advanced audio system.

Regimental Noncommissioned Officer Academy: combative skills demonstrations

Directorate of Public Works and Logistics: endangered species demonstration/display

Parachute Team: Group of skydivers will be landing in the area of the Old Depot, which is location "B" on the Map and Schedule page at 5:00pm

Directorate of Emergency Services: Fort Gordon Fire Department display on fire and hazardous material prevention. Hazmat vehicle on display – like the one used in Graniteville.

Directorate of Family and Morale and Recreation: information, brochures and photo display on Army Community Services activities to include Army Emergency Relief Fund, Exceptional Family Member Program, Community Life, Advocacy Programs, etc. Information, brochures and photo display on sporting and recreational activities available on the installation and at Pointes West Recreation Area

Directorate of Human Resources: Information, brochures and displays on the Army Substance Abuse Program, Retirement Services, Army’s Education Programs

35th Signal Brigade: a satellite communications display and military vehicle display

Eisenhower Army Medical Center: combat support hospital display with life-size photos, a mock field unit, Kendrick Blood Center display

Marine Corps Detachment: Phoenix satellite system display

Naval Information Operations Command – 116th Military Intelligence Group: Sailors who have been deployed and served on submarines, ships or air platforms will be dressed in their warrior attire and will answer questions and talk about the Navy.

Navy All-Volunteer Chorus: will perform 30-minute program(s).