Golden Knights recognize local heroes

Michael Whaley, battalion commander for the City of Prattville’s fire department, looks on as aircraft practice on the flight line at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., after his flight aboard the U.S. Army Golden Knights aircraft. Mr. Whaley was selected as a “Hometown Hero” for his ongoing accomplishments as a leader among his fellow firefighters and his timely and selfless response with his department, following a tornado that destroyed his home in 2008. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott Knuteson)

Golden Knights recognize local heroes

Rob Mitchell speaks to a U.S. Army Golden Knight aboard the Golden Knights’ aircraft immediately prior to a practice jump for Maxwell Air Force Base’s 2010 air show. Mr. Mitchell was selected as a “Hometown Hero” for his actions involving the rescue of an occupant from a burning house. (U.S. Air Force photo/Scott Knuteson)

Fighter classics

An F-4 Phantom and a P-51 Mustang fly across the airfield as part of a fighter heritage flight at the Thunder Over Alabama air show March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Air Force Base air show is celebrating 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bennett Rock)

Cargo throughout the years

A C-17 Globemaster III, C-47 Skytrain, and C-7 Caribou fly across the airfield as part of a cargo heritage flight at the Thunder Over Alabama air show March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Air Force Base air show is celebrating 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bennett Rock)

Tarheel Hal performs

A P-47 Thunderbolt performs at the Thunder Over Alabama air show March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Air Force Base air show is celebrating 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bennett Rock)

Express Delivery

A C-130 Hercules drops several loads of cargo on the airfield at the Thunder Over Alabama air show March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Air Force Base air show is celebrating 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Melanie Rodgers Cox)

The Wright Stuff

A flying replica of the Wright Flyer sits on display at the Thunder Over Alabama air show March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Air Force Base air show is celebrating 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bennett Rock)

Panchito flies over Maxwell

Panchito, a B-25 Mitchell, flies over the airfield at the Thunder Over Alabama air show March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Air Force Base air show is celebrating 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bennett Rock)

Ready, Aim, Fire!

A soldier and several air show visitors participate in the Virtual Army Experience at the Thunder Over Alabama air show March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. air show is celebrating 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bennett Rock)

Thank you

The U.S. Army Golden Knights hand a flag to the mother of a deployed Airman from Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. during the Thunder Over Alabama air show here March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Open House and Air Show is celebrating 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Bennett Rock)

Checking out a C-130

Spectators walk through a C-130 at the Thunder Over Alabama air show at Maxwell Air Force Base on March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Open House and Air Show is celebrating 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jamie Pitcher)

Walking the Flight Line

Three Airmen from the 42nd Security Forces Squadron at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. patrol the flightline before the gates open at the Thunder Over Alabama air show here March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Open House and Air Show is celebrating 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jamie Pitcher)

Thunder Over Alabama begins at Maxwell

Tech. Sgt. Darrell Ellis of the Gunter NCO Academy demonstrates how to climb the climbing wall at Thunder Over Alabama, the air show at Maxwell Air Force Base on March 27, 2010. The Maxwell Open House and Air Show celebrates 100 years of flight over Alabama. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jamie Pitcher)

Teacher flies as 'Hometown Hero' with Thunderbirds

Dr. Michael Gross, an Auburn University Montgomery assistant professor, receives a quick briefing on F-16 operations from Lt. Col. Derek Routt, Thunderbird 7 and the aerial demonstration squadron's operations officer. Dr. Gross was selected by the Thunderbirds as a Montgomery Hometown Hero and offered a flight with the team March 25. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Richard Rose)