Crowds flock to Tinker Air Show for thrills and patriotic pride

Thousands of spectators turned their eyes to the sky this weekend as the Tinker Air Show returned to Tinker Air Force Base, providing a display of aviation, history, and military pride.

Visitors from across Oklahoma and beyond gathered for a day filled with aerial performances, up-close views of military aircraft, and a chance to honor those who have served. The excitement was visible across generations, from first-time attendees to veterans reliving memories of their time in the sky.

"There's nothing like the military in the United States of America," Alma Holbert, a spectator, said. "Taking people's breath away from near and far."

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For Alma Holbert, whose husband was a former engineer for the B-2 bomber, the air show was about more than the planes.

"It's really about respecting those who died for our country," Holbert said. "I hope that everybody that comes here has a spiritual feeling of freedom and be proud of this country."

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Trip Lapham, a former parachutist who served for 21 years traveled from Arkansas just to be part of the weekend.

"I wish I was up there with them doing it again," Lapham said.

Younger attendees also found inspiration in the skies.

“I’ve never seen real fighters that are still in service,” said Weston Phillips, an aspiring pilot. "I think they're just amazing how we went from riding horses to flying in the sky."

For those who missed the air show on Saturday, the event continues on Sunday.

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