Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/859123
AUGUST 9 - 15, 2017 UCW 13 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM It's a rarit y to find an area, like Fayetteville and Fort Bragg, so utterly defined by the presence of the United States Army. The com- munit y understands both serving and respecting the armed forces, as though "Air- borne" were written in its ver y DNA. Hundreds of men and women are brought into Fort Bragg's fold ever y year. The base also seeks to honor the veter- ans who have made per- sonal sacrifices while creating histor y here at home and abroad. On Aug. 19, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum celebrates National Airborne Day from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will coincide not only with the 77th anniversar y of the U.S. Army's airborne forces, but also the 17th anniversar y of the museum itself. It officially commemorates the first jump of the Army Parachute Test Platoon in 1940. Following an opening ceremony, the event promises several special displays for attendees. Scott Pelletier, curator for ASOM, said Fort Bragg's Garrison Op- erations Team began planning the event in April. "They have been working closely with the 18th Air- borne Corps, 82nd Airborne Divi- sion and (Special Operations Com- mand) units as well as the cit y (of Fayetteville) to ensure a great event," Pelletier said. Along with an array of food ven- dors and a performance by the 82nd Airborne Division "All-American Chorus," a high-altitude low- opening jump demonstration by the Golden Knights and Black Daggers will be sure to delight spectators. The Golden Knights and Black Dag- gers personif y the old phrase "f lying with st yle." In addition, modern-day equip- ment and vehicles will be show- cased on the museum's parade field, including a special forces "A-Team," infantr y squads with all assigned weapons and an improvised explo- sive device display. An ambulance, as well as vehicles mounted with missile, grenade and machine guns will be on display. The "mock door" demonstration and parachute donning station will also allow citizens to see and feel the demands of jumping out of airplanes for a living. But National Airborne Day isn't reserved for just the present. It's an ode to the past, too. Both American and German World War II re-enac- tors in full uniform and equipment will be in attendance at ASOM. "Soldiers and veterans are proud of their airborne heritage," Pelletier said. "It gives them an opportunit y to remember and ref lect with their families and friends." Anyone who has walked the winding labyrinth at ASOM will tell you what an immersive experi- ence it truly is. Ever y major wartime event in the last centur y is shown in full scope, with documents, arti- facts and videos. Actual aircraft is mounted from the ceiling. You will hear the sounds of gunfire. Histor y itself comes alive. "I'm proud of the ASOM and ever ything it represents," Pelletier said. "I'm honored and humbled to be a part of such a proud tradition." National Airborne Day is free and open to the public. For more infor- mation, visit w w w.asomf.org. All the Way! ASOM Celebrates National Airborne Day by LAUREN VANDERVEEN EVENTS Celebrate National Airborne Day at ASOM on Aug. 19. LAUREN VENDERVEEN, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. (910) 484-6200. www.CapeFearEye.com Cape Fear Eye Associates is proud to introduce Dr. Perry to our team of Eye Care Specialists! Jennifer Threatt Perry, MD NOW BOOKINGS APPOINTMENTS: (910) 484-2284 1726 Metro Medical Dr. | 1629 Owen Dr. Fayetteville, NC Dr. Jennifer Perry is trained in a full-spectrum of eye care offering the latest and most effective eye care techniques available today from comprehensive eye exams to complex and delicate eye surgery. CATARACTS | EYELID REJUVENATION | MEDICAL RETINA | GLAUCOMA