Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show Wins Prestigious Award

  • Published
  • By MSgt. Janeen Miller
  • 143 Airlift Wing
12/11/08 --  The Rhode Island National Guard (RING) Air Show was recognized as the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award during an awards ceremony at the annual convention of the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) on December 11 in Las Vegas.

Held each June in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, the RING Air Show was recognized for the close partnership that they have formed with several local philanthropic organizations, including the Hasbro Children's Hospital in nearby Providence.

"The Rhode Island National Guard Air Show has helped generate more than $1 million for the Hasbro Children's Hospital," said ICAS President John Cudahy. "But more than that, they have created an event that is embraced by the local community...a community event in the most literal sense that has helped RING forge a close and unique relationship with local residents, government and other organizations. Frankly, ICAS had exactly this kind of military air show in mind when they established the Schram Award more than 20 years ago."

A former Blue Angel and Department of Defense Aviation Support Liaison Officer, Schram personified all that was good about the military's involvement in air shows. Since 1988, the International Council of Air Shows has presented the Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award to the one military air show, open house or flying event that best represents the spirit of community for which Dick Schram stood throughout his naval career.

RING becomes only the third two-time recipient of the award. They were also the 1995 recipients of the Schram Award.

Present to accept the award were several members of the RING Open House and Air Show Staff, the Founding Sponsor Mr. Al Cerrone, and his guest Rita. This award means a lot to all involved in the RING Air Show as their partnership with the Hasbro Children's Hospital and the other local charities that benefit from the money raised each year are the reasons that they keep working so hard every year to put on this large community event. During the acceptance Al Cerrone said, "We may be the smallest state, but we have the biggest hearts."

Congratulations to all of the men and women of the RI National Guard who make the Air Show possible and ultimately helped the show win this prestigious award.