Arkansas Military Expo highlights state’s missions

LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE — The 2016 Arkansas Military Expo, highlighting the capabilities of various military units from across the state, will take place Sept. 17 at the Little Rock Air Force Base.

The main base gate will open for expo guests at 9 a.m., and the event will start at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. The expo is free and open to the community.

“We are going to bring all facets of our military, our reservists, our citizen soldiers, our guardsmen, our active duty, our civilians and our contractors, and showcase what they bring to the fight on behalf of the state of Arkansas and the nation each and every day,” said Col. Charles “Chip” Brown, 19th Airlift Wing and Little Rock Air Force Base commander.

The expo will feature a variety of events, such as flybys and static displays of aircraft, including the A-10 Warthog, MQ-9 Reaper, T-6A Texan II and C-130H and J Hercules. While there will be no large acrobatics acts because of the base’s runway construction project, the event will include a six-ship C-130 formation flight that showcases the airdrop capabilities of Team Little Rock.

The expo will also showcase Arkansas Army National Guard capabilities, including a Blackhawk helicopter demonstration featuring fast rope teams from Camp Joseph T. Robinson and a “Helo-Hoist” maneuver.

The family-friendly expo will have a bouncy house, face painting and members of the Arkansas Circus Arts; more than 40 food-truck options; and a variety of booths and other events.

For more information, visit www.rockinattherock.com/arkansasmilitaryexpo.shtml or www.facebook.com/events/1086587814741690.