Veteran's Day at the 2008 Shenandoah County Fair

Veterans enjoying their Day at the Fair

2008-09-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Photo by Ray Powell

Bill Patillio and Ray Mitchell long time friends who served together as fighter pilots during WWII in the Air Force chat while enjoying music preformed by the Fort Lee Army Dixieland Band during the festivities on August 27th. On the right is Ron Keeler a Korean War Navy veteran who served on the committee to put together the day's festivities.

Lower left is Virginia Kilmer, who served as a coder and translator in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy and is currently with Valley Health Systems.

374 veterans entered the gate for free that rainy but enjoyable day. Counting the 50 or so we had on the grounds helping put things together we had over 400! We hope that even more will attend in 2009.

Free Concert - Fort Lee Dixieland Band

2008-08-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Free admission to the grandstand on August 27th at 11:30 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. when the Fort Lee Dixieland Band plays in honor of Veteran's Day at the Fair. Veterans and active duty are allowed free admission all day. Civilians may eat lunch from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. using our lunch token system and also see the concert for free. Check ShenCoFair.com for more details.

Please Remember

2008-08-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

This film was made by a 15 year old girl.

The following is the hottest thing on the internet and on Fox News today.

Lizzie Palmer who put this YouTube program together is 15 years old. There have been over 3,000,000 hits. In case you missed it, here it is.

Watch all of it........and, pass it on!

Click the title to view the show.

Submitted by: Lee Gochenour

Massanutten Military Academy: A Vital Part of Veterans Day at the Shenandoah County Fair

2008-08-07T05:54:00.000-07:00

Massanutten Military Academy has been a part of the Woodstock and Shenandoah County communities for 109 years. Founded in 1899, the military program was implemented in 1917. MMA offers a coeducational, college preparatory format where education is the priority; along with a commitment to the development of character, integrity, and good citizenship. All students are members of the Corps of Cadets, and high school students serve in the Academy’s Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps, which consistently earns the designation of Honor Unit with Distinction, the highest rating possible.

A number of Massanutten Military Academy cadets are due to participate in Veterans Day activities at County Fair. Members of the school’s color guard, drill team, and Raiders program will demonstrate skills learned and be available to answer questions from the general public.

The Army Junior ROTC program’s mission is to develop good citizens. The program provides 180 hours of instruction each year in such areas as leadership skills, American history, the Constitution, first aid, physical conditioning, technology awareness, and drill and ceremony.

Massanutten Military Academy offers the nation’s only JROTC summer program for students from other public and private schools who wish to earn high school credit for JROTC. In 2007, nearly 25 percent of the MMA Summer School population enrolled in this program.

Cadets may take part in the JROTC color guard, drill team, and Raider programs. Because Massanutten is an Honor Unit with Distinction, the Academy can nominate qualified cadets to the U.S. Military, Naval, and Air Force Academies and provide assistance to cadets receiving ROTC scholarships to major universities.

In addition, personnel from Massanutten Military Academy’s Admissions Office will be on hand to discuss the benefits of enrolling in the day program. Come and see for yourselves why MMA is one of the best deals in military college preparatory schools in the Nation.

Skyblazers - The Air Force Thunderbirds - Early On.

2008-08-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

Skyblazers - The Air Force Thunderbirds - Early On. Talk the pilots Buck and Bill Pattillo on August 27th beginning at 11 a.m. in the Activities Tent. They might even sign this photo for you!

Blackhawk Update! Climb Aboard! Bring the Kids!

2008-07-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

Bring the whole family to see this great flying machine! CW2 Virgil Hill Flight Operations, AASF lives in New Market and is the pilot for the flight bring in the Army National Guard's UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter. You are invited to take a look inside and talk to the pilot and crew. The Blackhawk will be in place after 10 a.m. on Wednesday August 27th.

WE LOVE OUR VETERANS

2008-07-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

We are your local Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) Addiction Therapists/representatives, and we are proud to be a part of the Veterans Day Celebration at the 2008 Shenandoah County Fair. We are coming upon our second year out in the communities of Stephens City and Harrisonburg and our first year at the fair. We want you to know that we "LOVE OUR VETERANS" and we are here to serve you as you have served us. We are a dedicated team of former veterans who understand your experiences and your needs. We are going to celebrate on August 27, 2008 all that you mean to us and to our country. We look forward to meeting you there. Ya'll come out now, ya hear!!

Contributed by Lillian Turner-Paige, LPC, LMFT

United States Army Veteran

Martinsburg VA Medical Center

Martinsburg, WV

HOMEWARD BOUND

2008-07-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

The USS Trathen DD530 heads for home in June 1953 after completing her tour of duty in Korean waters. She proudly provided shore bombardment along the North Korean coast with TF-95 and with other destroyers screening the aircraft carriers of TF-77.

Share your experiences in the Veterans tent 27 August with the local veterans who will be displaying their memorabilia there.

Contributed by Ron Keller

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. '08 National Guard #88 Impala, 1:24

2008-07-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

B Company 3/116th Infantry Battalion will be raffling off a genuine 1:24 scale Hendrick Motorsports #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. die-cast NASCAR ($69.99 value on Nascar.com). Tickets go on sale Saturday, August 23, 2008 at the Shenandoah County Fair and drawing will be Friday, August 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM at the National Guard exhibit. Ticket prices: $1 per ticket or 6 tickets for $5

Tug of War Challenge

2008-07-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

Are you up to it? A round with local veterans, school teams, celebs, and just plain folks willing to have a good time and promote the use of the Army National Guard's Goal-to-Go 35 foot long inflatable tug of war. Scroll down the page to see the picture.

SSGT. Mike Weekley, Shenandoah County Fair Manager Marcy McCann, 4-H and FFA members will be taking on all comers during the week of the fair. Drop by the Infield to try your hand at this safe and enjoyable family entertainment location right across from NASCAR #88. If you'd like to challenge a friend or rival during the week, let us know at shenfair@shentel.net and we'll add you to the online schedule.

Any Army vs. Navy out there? Tug of War Challenge

Mustangs and Legends

2008-07-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

Watch this to the end! Pretty impressive all the way through.

Fort Lee's Dixieland Band to Perform!

2008-06-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

Fort Lee's Dixieland Band will perform at the Shenandoah County Fair on August 27th. Make plans to be here during the day to see this entertaining band.

Founders of the Air Force Thunderbirds Honored

2008-06-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

The photograph shows the presentation of "Throw a Nickel in the Grass" to Bill and Buck Pattillo on their birthday , two of the greastest people from the greatest generation ever.

Why was it called "Throw a Nickel in the Grass"? Because anytime you around the 352nd FG reunions or mini get togethers, the Pattillo twins usually sing this great fighter pilot song from the days of old. And it is a fitting tribute to two great americans that have made their marks on aviation history.
Grady a. Lisk jr.

You can meet these fine gentlemen at the Shenandoah County Fair on August 27th. Make plans to join the fun.

Photo and info provided by Ray Mitchell.

Veterans and Active Duty Invited

2008-06-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Veterans from near and far are invited to the Shenandoah County Fair office on June 12th at 6 PM to help develop meaningful activities for Veterans Day at the Fair 2008!

We need your input to make this event a true day of honoring the contributions made by the US Military past and present.

Call 540-459-3867 for more information. Directions are on www.ShenCoFair.com

352nd Documentary - A Tribute to a Friend

2008-06-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Click the title to view the movie.

From Ray Mitchell.

Photos and Fun!

2008-06-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Bring the family on Veterans Day at the Fair to climb on the various pieces of vintage military equipment displayed.

Replenishing at sea Feb. 1953

2008-06-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

Once at sea, ships had to replenished from carriers, oilers, cargo, and amunition ships.

Here the USS Trathen DD530 is coming alongside the USS Boxer CVA 21 to receive fuel.

Provided by Ron Keeler USN

North Korea February, 1953

2008-06-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

The Target most wanted by United Nations ships patroling the N. Korean coast was the enemy supply train. It was in this Package 4 area that the USS Trathen DD530 destroyed an enemy train in March, 1953. The action was reported in the 13 March NY Times.

Provided by Ron Keeler USN

USS Trathen DD530 N. Korea Feb. 1953

2008-06-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

While serving with Task Force 95, the USS Trathen DD530 would have daily bridge and cave inspections while patroling the N. Korean coast. Bridges and railroad tracks, destroyed the day before were frequently repaired overnight.

Provided by Ron Keeler USN

Discount Tickets Available! $3.00 - that is half price!

2008-05-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

Advance discount tickets will be available to all veterans and active duty military personnel beginning June 12th at the Woodstock American Legion and many other locations throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

"The Last Reunion , A gathering of Hero's "

2008-05-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

"The Last Reunion , A gathering of Hero's " will be on again on the History Chanel at 8:00 PM June 18th.

“Dogfights”

2008-05-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

NOW HEAR THIS!!!
The “Dogfights” program featuring the 352nd Fighter Group’s most dramatic air battle on New Year’s Day, 1945 will be airing on the History Channel again this evening, May 23rd. at 6:00 pm EDT. It is titled “Death of the Luftwaffe,” and includes 487th pilots Al Rigby, Sandy Moats, Don Bryan, Richard Creamer and yours truly.
This is the air battle during which 12 of our pilots managed to takeoff while under attack by 50 to 80 German fighters and fighter-bombers and, in a low-level battle right over our airfield, shot down 24 enemy aircraft without a loss. .
Check your local TV schedules for the time and channel in your area as the times may vary.

Come and play on this! Goal to Go!

2008-05-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Bring friends and family to try your strength. Set up from August 23rd through August 30th in the infield this should bring about a lot of good natured fun and competition. 15 by 35 feet!

Win a R.T. Foster Print of Jimmy Doolittle's Takeoff

2008-05-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 27 August is Veterans Day at the Shenandoah County Fair in Woodstock, VA.

Each attending veteran will have one chance to win a signed and numbered print of R.T. Foster's "Launch Into Destiny". This print commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Doolittle takeoff from the aircraft carrier for his raid on Tokyo.

Get your free entry ticket at the USS Trathen DD 530 Korean War display in the veteran's tent.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. National Guard NASCAR 88

2008-05-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the National Guard exhibit on Saturday August 24th in the infield to see the Dale Earnhardt Jr. National Guard NASCAR 88. We are waiting final word to see if it is here through August 28th. Stop by the BB&T/Daniel Boone Log Homes Activites Tent on Veterans Day at the Fair for a poster.

Want to hear a little bit of noise? Check out this guy's site.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hXz9mTk0SY

2008-05-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.rollingthunderva1.com/

The major function of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is to publicize the POW-MIA issue; to educate the public of the fact that many American prisoners of war were left behind after all previous wars and to help correct the past and to protect future veterans from being left behind should they become prisoners of war-missing in action. We are also committed to helping American veterans from all wars!

When one American is not worth the effort to be found, we as American's have lost!

Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is not a motorcycle club. While many of our members do ride motorcycles others also drive cars and trucks in our events. Rolling Thunder®, Inc. membership is open to the public and you do not have to be a veteran.

Rolling Thunder®, Inc., Virginia Chapter 1 recently took part in escorting different units of the116th National Guard back home from deployment. Pictures below are of the return of Woodstock Heros!

WELCOME HOME, JOB WELL DONE!

Rolling Thunder VA Chapter 1 will raffle the Harley Davidson Quilt shown below on November 11, 2008 at the Winchester POW/MIA Memorial. Tickets will be on sale at the Fair. You need not be present to win. Tickets are priced at $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00.

Rolling Thunder Virginia Chapter 1 took part in the 2008 Ride to the Wall in Washington, DC on May 25, 2008. City authorities estimated 750,000 motorcycles were in the city during the demonstration. Here's pictures of the "RIDE".

The North Lot of the Pentagon was filled to capacity by 10:30AM

Jr. Marines show their respect on the Memorial Bridge.

This Marine stands at Attention during the entire demonstration, 4 hours. The table he stands behind Honors those who are still Missing.

Just a few of the many who ride to ensure our POW/MIA's are not FORGOTTEN!

Rolling Thunder along with Full House Cycles of Winchester, VA held a bike show on June 21. Here's a couple of the "Antique Class". Proceeds from the show are used to promote POW/MIA issues and help Veterans in the area.

An important activity of Rolling Thunder is the care of our valued veterans. Pictured below is our monthly Game Night at the Martinsburg, WV Veterans Medical Center.

Three Centuries of Freedom

2008-05-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

Over Two Centuries ago, the United States began as an experiment in self-government and freedom and has endured since then. Today, its democratic way of life remains an example to the world. One of the principal reasons for its longevity is the fact that generation after generation of brave souls have been willing to defend it. From Lexington, Mass., to Gettysburg, to Belleau Wood and the Ardenne Forest; to Iwo Jima and Midway; to Pusan and Inchon; to Hamburger Hill and Hue, to the Middle East and the War on Terror; our Nation has been blessed with the courage of men and women from all walks of life who were and are willing to step up and defend our way of life. We owe each and everyone of them a deep measure of gratitude.

Come one and all and honor our veterans at the Shenandoah County Fair on the 27th of August.

Wednesday August 27th

2008-05-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

A "Veteran" -- whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve -- is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America," for an amount of "up to, and including my life."

Show your appreciation and honor all Veterans
at theShenandoah County Fair on August 27th