The World War II Airborne Demonstration team hosted their Summer Jump School July 14-22, 2023. Despite soaring temperatures and high winds, 17 students persevered and earned their wings.

Tucked away in Tillman County is a World War II Army Airfield. Frederick Army Airfield was opened Sept. 23, 1942, to train pilots. Although the Airfield’s military flight operations ceased in October 1945, stepping through those doors is like stepping back into history.

Now owned by the World War II Airborne Demonstration Team, Frederick Army Airfield is a bustling community full of World War II history enthusiasts who want nothing more than to “Remember, Honor, and Serve” those who served their country so bravely and selflessly.

The WWII Airborne Demonstration Team was founded in 1998 to honor and serve the memory of the men who fought and died to preserve America’s freedom during WWII. The activities of the Foundation also recognize and honor those who served and survived that conflict. Many WWII veterans visit the Hangar during Open Hangar days which are the culmination of Summer and Fall Jump Schools.

Veterans usually dress in their WWII uniforms. Members of the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team dress in period-correct WWII uniforms and attire. Even visitors get into the spirit of the 1940s and dress up either in WWII uniforms or 1940s attire.

Students who recently com- pleted parachute training at the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team’s 2023 Summer Jump School and received their WWII ADT wings are: James C Brown, Jonathan Clute, Jorge Del Rosal Luna, Ronel Holtzhausen, Samuel Hutchins, Sean Toomey, Alyssa Wilson When asked why she decided to join the WWII ADT and go through jump school, she laughed and said, “Just ‘cause,” before adding, “My family does WWII re-enactments, so I really wanted to go through this program.”

In addition, the following prior Airborne qualified students completed the refresher course to obtain their WWII ADT wings: Christopher Dupertuis, Gerardo Rodriguez Terrazas, Pedro Cuevas Cortes, Gustavo Cortes M, Francisco Hernandez, Marcos Solano Jiménez, Guillermo Ramirez R, Sergio Del Rosal, Francisco Mendoza Vazquez, Jose Marcos Cruz Ramirez The team’s Summer and Fall Jump school cycles usually culminate in Open Hangar days where military displays and memorabilia are displayed by various vendors and historians and are open to the public.

For more information on how to enroll for Spring, Summer, or Fall Jump School, become a member of the Airborne Demonstration Team or to donate to the Airborne Demonstration Team visit http://wwiiadt.org.