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Niagara earns air show excellence award

  • Published
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station was presented the Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award during the 2015 International Council of Air Shows in Las Vegas, Dec. 8. 

The Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award is presented each year to the military base which, in planning and implementing its air show, not only exhibits traditional community relations as it considers the needs of its civilian neighbors, but sets new standards of excellence in this area by including its community in the planning, execution and rewards of the event.

"For the Thunder of Niagara Airshow to win this award  was an incredible honor, not only because it was a win for our entire base, but a win for the entire Western New York community," said Maj. Benjamin Canetti, Air Show Director, 914th Operations Support Squadron. "Our base was submitted for this award in competition with every military airshow in the 2015 season throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is the first time this award has been brought home by a wing in Air Force Reserve Command."

"The partnership between our military and community here at Niagara is well known and this award is another testimony of that great relationship," said John A. Cooper, Sr, chairman, Niagara Military Affairs Council. "As a host community it is exciting to see the 914th Airlift Wing as the first Air Force Reserve unit to receive this prestigious award. Congratulations are in order for Thunder of Niagara Airshow Director, Major Ben Canetti; Co-Chairman, Bill Wagner, Jerry Slipko and the entire air show team."

The 2015 Thunder of Niagara Air Show was designed to increase public awareness of our military, highlight the bravery of men and women in uniform and show the base's appreciation to the people of Western New York for their many years of tremendous support. This event would not have been possible without the involvement of local, state and national agencies as well as, the help of more than 250 community volunteers and support of local business sponsors.