Sequestration forces withdrawal from Thunder in the Valley - WLTZ 38 | Columbus Georgia Regional News & Community

Columbus, GA., March 11, 2013 – Thunder in the Valley Air Show, like the majority of air shows featuring military acts and displays, will feel the effects of the mandatory budget cuts in Washington, DC known as "the Sequester."

"All branches of the armed forces have informed us they cannot participate," said Phaedra Childers, Event Coordinator.  "The Air Force canceled as soon as budget cuts were a possibility; the Army had to pull its vehicles and weapons display last week; and the Navy called Friday to cancel the F-18 TAC Demo Team.  We'll have nothing from the military currently being used in training or on the front lines.  We're very disappointed."

The Thunder in the Valley Air Show began in 1997 as a local fly-in for aviation enthusiasts and has grown to become one of the largest outdoor family events in the Chattahoochee Valley, thanks to the efforts of more than 600 dedicated volunteers – both groups and individuals.  The air show brings in top performers from across the United States, all paid for by local and regional sponsors whose products and services are exposed to an average of 12,000 guests each day of the show, and included in advertising that reaches hundreds of thousands before the event.