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Members of the F-15 West Coast Demonstration Team perform their pre-flight routine as the F-15C, flown by Capt. Sam Joplin, departs the RIO NEGRO air and trade show venue in Medellín, Colombia. The Demonstration Team celebrated 25 years of service during RIO NEGRO by performing for audiences at the Medellín International Airport for six days, thrilling an audience estimated at more than 100,000 Colombian citizens. (Photo by Capt. Nathan Broshear)

All smiles

Capt. Sam Joplin, the F-15 West Coast Demonstration Team pilot, observes a child’s reaction upon receiving a coloring book from visiting Airmen. Airmen visited and ate lunch with staff and children at the ALDEAS SOS home near Medellín, Colombia during planned community outreach events associated with the RIO NEGRO air and trade show. More than 25 Airmen gave presents of books, candy, stickers and photos to the orphans; then signed autographs and invited the group to the air and trade show the following day. (Photo by Capt. Nathan Broshear)

The departure

Members of the F-15 West Coast Demonstration Team salute the departing F-15C Eagle, flown by Capt. Sam Joplin, during the pre-flight portion of the team’s demonstration at the RIO NEGRO air and trade show venue in Medellín, Colombia. The Demonstration Team celebrated 25 years of service during RIO NEGRO by performing for audiences at the Medellín International Airport for six days, thrilling an audience estimated at more than 100,000 Colombian citizens. (Photo by Capt. Nathan Broshear)

Final check

Staff Sgt. Darren Pautz, an F-15 crew chief with the F-15 West Coast Demonstration Team performs pre-flight communications with the pilot, Capt. Sam Joplin, during the RIO NEGRO air and trade show in Medellín, Colombia. The Demonstration Team celebrated 25 years of service during RIO NEGRO by performing for audiences at the Medellín International Airport for six days, thrilling an audience estimated at more than 100,000 Colombian citizens. (Photo by Capt. Nathan Broshear)

F-15 West Coast Demo Team performs at RIO NEGRO

Published July 2, 2008
By Capt. Nathan D. Broshear
Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs

July 2, 2008 -- Medellín, Colombia (AFPN) -- RIO NEGRO, or "Black River" in Spanish, is the premier air and trade show in Colombia. This weekend, the event also served as the stage for the F-15 West Coast Demonstration Team's spectacular display in front of a Latin American crowd estimated at more than 100,000.

Capt. Sam Joplin, an F-15C pilot with the West Coast Demonstration Team at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., stepped to his jet this weekend as children from local orphanages, wounded veterans, media and local citizens cheered "Efe Quince!" (or "F-15" in English). Crowds packed the Cordova International Airport and lined local hillsides just to get a glimpse of the jet as it performed its aerial acrobatics. But for some locals, the performance could not have been closer to home -- or their hearts.

"For our team to perform in front of this enthusiastic audience is an honor," said Capt. Joplin. "This unique venue allowed us to put VIP groups front-and-center of the pre- and post- flight activities."

Visitors hosted by the demonstration team and participating Airmen included Fundación El Maná, or "Gift of God Foundation," a local charity assisting underprivileged children, the nearby ALDEAS SOS orphanage, wounded veterans from the Colombian military, Colombian Air Force cadets (similar to Junior ROTC) and international media outlets.

"The people of Colombia were very interested in learning more about the F-15 and the U.S. Air Force during RIO NEGRO," said Captain Joplin. "In turn, Airmen were able to learn about the Colombian military, local citizens and the plight of orphaned and abandoned children in Latin America."

Accompanied by Colombian Air Force members, the Demonstration Team handed out books, stickers, patches and other mementos to children as they toured various charitable organizations. Then, Captain Joplin's team invited the groups to the air and trade show venue where guests took pictures with Airmen, toured the KC-10 Extender static display and watched the F-15 demonstration from exclusive seats.

Airmen at air and trade show volunteered by the dozens to assist in the visits, creating a memorable experience for hosts and guests alike. "The only time these energetic kids sat still was during the F-15 demonstration," joked Senior Master Sgt. Liz Reddish, a fuels superintendant from Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

Virtually every participant found the interaction deeply touching, said Sergeant Reddish. "They were completely mesmerized by the aircraft -- afterwards it was hard to say goodbye as every one of the children kissed and hugged Airmen for more than 20 minutes," she said.