KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. -- KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. -- Henley High School hosted a military appreciation night, Feb. 6, 2018, and the 173rd Fighter Wing supported the event with displays from security forces, weapons and the engine shop.
The event with a basketball game against another local high school, Klamath Union High School.
Col. Jeff Edwards, the 173rd Fighter Wing Vice Commander, spoke to the audience during half-time thanking them for their strong support of the base and its mission as the sole provider of F-15C formal training to aspiring Eagle drivers.
“I had an experience about two weeks ago that was probably the highlight of my flying career,” said the instructor pilot with a flying career spanning more than 20 years. As he took off from Kingsley Field’s runway he said, “I looked down and on the highway somebody had pulled over and was waving a giant American flag. Things like that happen every day in Klamath Falls and we are so thankful for your support; this community is absolutely fantastic!”
In that vein Henley High School conducts a military appreciation night annually and the school works with recruiters at Kingsley Field to coordinate the event.
Henley’s principal, Jack Lee, works hard to make this event special and loves to honor veterans in the community, his ROTC program, and the relationship with the 173d Fighter Wing,” said Tech. Sgt. Darren Bennett, a 173rd FW recruiter who worked with the high school principal to plan the event. “I’d be surprised if this isn’t the best event like this in the country!”
This year the security forces squadron, the air traffic control squadron, the maintenance group, aircrew flight equipment and the weapons shop brought displays for the students and audience members to view before and during the game. The school always provides free admission to military members and veterans for this event.