The return of the Atlantic City Airshow on Wednesday — an event headlined by the Air Force Thunderbirds — figures to be as billed: A Salute to Those Who Serve.
The 18th version of the event — which will take place Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — will feature approximately 30 performances, including the first new presentation by the Thunderbirds in nearly 40 years.
The performance centers around emotion and entertainment, while still showcasing the complexity, challenge and capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the men and women who fly them. Event organizers said it was one positive that came out of last summer — when cancellations of air shows everywhere gave teams time to enhance their maneuvers.
In addition to the Thunderbirds’ performance, there will be several world-class military demonstrations and aerial stunt performers.
But not all the action will be in the air.
The event will provide veterans with a convenient, comprehensive locale where they can meet with representatives of organizations, government agencies and nonprofits to discuss services, support and jobs. The Veteran Resource Row will be located on the Boardwalk between Bellevue Avenue and Florida Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Bob Looby, chairman of the employment, homeless and education committee of the American Legion, Department of New Jersey, said he knows the row will have impact.
“More than 1,500 veterans visited the service providers’ area on the Boardwalk during the 2019 Atlantic City Airshow,” he said. “The tri-state area veterans we engaged with were incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to meet with these various organizations, and we were able to connect them with their home state’s agencies.”
Ocean Casino Resort, Geico and the Greater Atlantic City Chamber are the lead sponsors.
Ocean Casino Resort CEO Terry Glebocki said the hotel was happy to help.
“Ocean Casino Resort is proud to support Veteran Resource Row in its effort to provide valuable resources and substantive aid to those in need,” he said. “It is our honor to partner with the Greater Atlantic City Chamber on an initiative of such importance.”
The airshow also is an opportunity for Atlantic City to show itself off as a midweek destination, said Michael Chait, president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber.
“The Atlantic City Airshow has an enormous impact on our region,” he said. “The midweek event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to our destination that creates upwards of $70 million in regional economic activity.
“The opportunity to welcome back the region’s premier event is a much-needed economic and morale boost we all need. We couldn’t be more proud of our partners that have stepped up to make this event a success.”
The Atlantic City Airshow is a free event with spectacular views from the beach and Boardwalk. A practice will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Click here for more information.
Below is a list of the participating government agencies, nonprofits and veterans service organizations that will be on the Veteran Resource Row:
- Veteran Affairs Hospital
- Veteran Affairs Outreach
- Veteran Affairs Benefits Administration
- The American Legion
- NJ Vet2Vet
- Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden
- Disabled American Veterans Department of New Jersey
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
- New Jersey Casino Control Commission
- Project Refit
- New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development
- Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office
- Veteran Multi-Service Center
- Team Red, White, and Blue
- The American Red Cross
- LS Technologies
- HeroCare Connect
