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Reservist gives back during Air Force Week

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Greer
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SALT LAKE CITY --  Speaking to children whose parents are currently deployed, as well as other community members, Lt. Col. Paul "Buster" Delmonte, a 466th Fighter Squadron flight commander, summed up last week's Air Force Week efforts in one sentence: "It's not my Air Force, it's yours." 

Colonel Delmonte was one of many reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing to assist Team Hill with Air Force Week activities last week. The colonel, along with active duty pilots from the 388th Fighter Wing, attended showings of the IMAX movie "Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag" at Clark Planetarium and Thanksgiving Point, and spoke with the community about what it's like to be an F-16 pilot. 

The colonel, a Utah resident for the last 11 years, works full-time as a pilot for the U.S. Forest Service. He said that he appreciated the opportunity to visit with the community about the purpose of Air Force Week and what kinds of opportunities there are to serve in the Air Force. 

"I think it's been rewarding," he said. "People have been extremely gracious and receptive. There's been a bigger turnout than we've expected." 

Indeed, demand for tickets to attend the movie was so high, both venues for the screening added additional shows to accommodate attendees. 

Speaking to a group on Thursday evening, Colonel Delmonte echoed the sentiment of the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, regarding the purpose of Air Force Week. 

"It's an attempt to try and connect Air Force personnel and the community," Colonel Delmonte said. "We work for you."