Concert in the park

Peterson Air and Space Museum 2009 Concert in the Park patrons enjoy festivities near a missile at the base air park July 31. About 250 attendees along with approximately 60 volunteers including the Civil Air Patrol cadets gathered at the base air park for food and music. (Air Force photo by Larry Hulst)

Concert in the park

Photo Pup, a part of local Air Force heritage, enjoys the sounds of the music during the Peterson Air and Space Museum 2009 Concert in the Park July 31. The present day Photo Pup is owned by Jeff Nash, museum deputy director and curator. During World War II the original Photo Pup was donated to Peterson Air Force Base. The English and cocker spaniel mixed dog often flew in aircraft with Airmen. Photo Pup had his own uniform, bunk in the dormitory, and bomb shelter on base. Photo Pup also frequented the Officers Club. The dog came to the base as a puppy and when his owner retired from the Air Force, the dog also retired in Little Rock, Ariz. (Air Force photo by Larry Hulst)

Concert pairs music with Air Force heritage

Published Aug. 4, 2009
By Thea Skinner
Peterson Air Force Base Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- Rainstorms did not stop servicemembers and their families from being showered in musical appreciation at the Peterson Air and Space Museum 2009 Concert in the Park July 31.

"It was a nice turnout despite the weather," said Gail Whalen, 21st Space Wing, Peterson Air and Space Museum director.

About 250 attendees along with approximately 60 volunteers including the Civil Air Patrol cadets gathered at the base air park. The 2009 Concert in the Park is an expression of appreciation for members of the military community making sacrifices for their country.

Initiated by the Peterson Air and Space Museum Foundation, a local non-profit chartered by the 21st SW, the concert originated around 2003 offering gratitude to servicemembers and their families along with an opportunity to learn Air Force heritage. The foundation directly supports the museum through fund raising and volunteers.

The air park provides "a wonderful setting to look at aircraft and listen to the band. It is a nice way to end the week. No speeches or protocol," said Edward Weaver, the foundation's secretary and treasurer. "We are putting the money back into Peterson itself - I can not think of any expenditures off base."

The informal relaxed atmosphere provided an enhanced work-life balance for servicemembers and their families.

Wild Blue Country provided entertainment with an eclectic arrangement of music.

"You could see people feeling good as the band played. Wild Blue Country has a unique ability to take patriotism and weave it to take away the clutter. It is a method that provides you with inspiration, yet does not slap you in the face with it," Mr. Weaver said.

The museum's mission is to protect and tell the story of the heritage of the Air Force and Peterson. About 16 missiles and aircrafts were open for viewing including the EC-121T Warning Star radar aircraft and the Peacekeeper ICBM Missile Procedures Simulator.

"You go to retirements, change of commands, and Inspector General out-briefings - there is always a structured activity that leads people to be guarded," Mr. Weaver said. "The concert allowed people to be themselves. We are thankful that people had the opportunity to come."