SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. — The 2024 'Wings Over Solano' Airshow is this weekend at Travis Air Force Base, and two lucky residents get to take to the sky during the show.
Jamie Butler, a choir teacher for more than two decades, says a former student's parent nominated him to fly with the Blue Angels.
"[I'm] pretty nervous, pretty terrified and really honored. My father served in the Air Force and I know that he would be proud of this moment as well since I lost him two years ago," Butler told ABC10. "It's very meaningful in that way."
He says his father served toward the end of the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged to take care of his family.
"It was really difficult to lose him to cancer, but I'm proud to be his son," Butler said. "Any little thing that I can have a connection with him now that he's gone, I really cherish."
Also flying with the Blue Angels is police officer Sean Kelly, who says he was nominated by a co-worker. The experience will be a full-circle moment from his childhood.
The Blue Angels are one of the world premier aerial demonstration teams, and everyone will be able to enjoy the show for free Saturday and Sunday.
"We are very excited. It takes the entire base to really put this show on and we are very excited to open our gates and host Solano County and our surrounding areas," said air show director Maj. Justin Leachman.
Other performers beyond the Blue Angels include the F-22 Demo Team, Wings of Blue Parachute Team and about a dozen more aerial performers.
