Sentry Eagle: A Sky-High Success

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michael Odle
  • 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KLAMATH FALLS -- Ore. --  Approximately 12,000 people attended this year's Sentry Eagle air-to-air combat exercise at Kinsley Field Air National Guard Base. In total, the air show included over 7 hours of activities, more than 50 aircraft and 40 static displays.

"I'm thrilled with the success of this year's exercise," said 173rd Wing Commander Col. James Miller. "I am immensely proud of Kingsley Field personnel and I am grateful for all the hard work that has gone into making the exercise a resounding success."

"I would like to thank all of the volunteers and the public for their outpouring support of our men and women in uniform," Miller added.

Additionally, the American Red Cross reported registering 100 future donors. The Kingsley Field Chiefs' Association raised $1,000 for military family scholarships and the Kingsley Field Fire Department raised $382 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

"Thanks to the superb assistance from local emergency services and local authorities, we have been able to host a safe and enjoyable open house," said Col. Miller.

Police and medical personnel at Sentry Eagle reported no law enforcement related incidences, no major emergencies and five heat related responses.

Sentry Eagle, in its 14th year, is typically a biennial exercise. However, because of the 2008 "Feel the Thunder" Klamath Falls Air Show and runway paving at Klamath Falls Airport in 2009, this is the first Sentry Eagle since 2007.