It's a little known secret that Southwest Oklahoma is home to the world famous WWII Airborne Demonstration Team, and they're opening up their hangar for a day so everyone can swing by and see the excitement.

These are some of the nicest, craziest people we've ever met. They suit up and show up with 40's era fatigues and equipment, load up in their very own WWII plane, then hop out the rear door at 150MPH, floating safely down to the corn stalks from some 1500 feet. It really is a sight to behold!

Critter and I were lucky enough to spend a day with these guys during their Summer jump school. While their cadets were training, we were allowed to tag along with the seasoned jump-veterans to learn and experience what they do. To put it lightly, it was ridiculous. The adrenaline rush, just as a spectator, was something neither of us were prepared for. You see, the ADT take you back to the glory days of 1940's life. You train, dress, live, sleep, and eat like a pre-war paratrooper did.

This all takes place in a WWII hangar built at the Army Air Field in Frederick, Oklahoma. It's period correct down to the beds. In fact, their current jump plane "Boogie Baby" has a back story that can make your head spin. It's one of over 10,000 C-47's built nationwide. Manufactured at Tinker AFB just outside Oklahoma City. It flew over the skies of Europe during its darkest days and survived to become a symbol of mans greatness in the fight against tyranny and evil.

Believe me when I say, the goosebumps you experience climbing up into this flying piece of history will humble you to your core. To think of what young men endured and achieved in the prime of their youth is almost unimaginable today.

If you get the chance, by all means, take the hour drive out to the Frederick Army Air Field and walk through history for a few hours. It's open to the public, you only need to show up. If you need more information, here is the official WWIIADT website.

Here are the details straight from their facebook.

Frederick Army Air Field, Frederick, OK - Jump into history with the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team's Open Hangar Day!

To culminate the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team's Fall 2017 Jump School, the Team will be hosting an Open Hangar Day on Saturday, October 28th, 2017, 8:00am-2:00pm, in Frederick, OK, complete with graduation and wing-pinning ceremony at 11:00am.

Open Hangar Day will be held at the historic Frederick Army Air Field, at the Frederick Municipal Airport, southeast of Frederick, Oklahoma. The event is free and open to the public. The World War II Airborne Demonstration Team extends a special invitation to all Veterans of World War II to attend. In addition to 1940s-style military parachute jump demonstrations, historic military displays, vehicles and kids' activities, Frederick High School's Band Boosters will be selling snacks and drinks. The ADT's air-conditioned 1940s-era mess hall, full of artifacts and photographs on display, is available for a break from the activities.

The Fall Jump School session will begin on October 20th. Jump phase should begin on October 25th for the students, and team members will be jumping throughout the entire week.

The Demonstration jumps are planned for the beginning of the day, Saturday, before winds increase. Plan to be on site by 8am. The drop zone is located south of Frederick and west of the airport. Signs will be posted.

Throughout the day, military displays and memorabilia will be presented by various vendors and historians. The members of the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team will be dressed in WWII uniforms and attire. In addition, instructors and students from the jump school will be on hand to show off their equipment, take pictures and answer questions about the Team.

For those attending, you may also wish to take part in the Airborne Experience. For a special membership fee, you will be able to ride in our C-47, "Boogie Baby", while it is dropping paratroopers. Individuals will be allowed to go "Airborne", along with jump team members, on a C-47 flight. Hear and feel what it's like to ride in a WWII vintage aircraft and watch the troops, dressed in WWII uniforms and equipment, "Stand Up, Hook Up and Go Out the Door"!

For more details or information on any of these events, including directions, contact
Laura Goodwin, at 469-855-5685, or email her at Lrgoodman1@yahoo.com.

Also, mark your calendars for the 2018 Summer Open Hangar Day and Fly-In on July 28th!

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