2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show: Unsung Heroes

1 Oct 2019 | Sgt. Sarah Ralph The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

It takes an exceptionally courageous individual to run willingly into the face of danger. Firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians are all men and women who have a rare resiliency within themselves over the average citizen. They have a gentle hand that cares for the injured, a fierce determination to save lives and the intelligence to find those who have wronged others. First responders are special characters among our society because they risk their lives daily for no reason other than to serve their communities. Marine Corp Air Station Miramar’s 2019 Air Show is in honor of recognizing our first responders for everything they do. 

“To me being a firefighter is being a man for others,” said Tory Burkart, a firefighter at MCAS Miramar. “It means sacrificing being at home for being at work 48 hours to help people who are in need.” 

One of the many reasons why America is so astounding is because it was built with the knowledge of how important volunteerism is within society and in turn revealed the selfless men and women who live among us. Not all first responders are one in the same; there are those who volunteer to be on call for an emergency, some who dedicate their entire lives to protecting people and most work more than one job in order to do what they love most, helping others. 

You’ll never know what you’re going to face, which plays a part in the comradery with the team says Burkart. Getting together to train and work, so that when we do come upon that fire or medical call, everyone knows what they’re doing. Going through shared hardships and training alongside each other is what pulls us together as a team.

“This year’s air show theme is ‘A Salute to First Responders’. Marines have long been known as America’s 9-1-1 force. We know the dedication and sacrifice required by our local first responders to ensure the safety of others.” Col. Charles Dockery, commanding officer for Marine Corps Air Station Miramar


The 2019 MCAS Miramar Air Show allotted our unsung heroes the acknowledgement that is long overdue. We gave the San Diego community a front row seat of all the hard work and dedication of our first responder’s. 

There were many events during the air show that highlighted responders. CAL Fire was able to demonstrate what it takes to perform their task in the event of a fire during the air show. There was also a ‘thank you’ wall for the community to sign and show our appreciation for everything our first responders do. 

First responders are superheroes, except they don’t wear capes. No matter what the threat: you can always count on a police officer, medical technician or a firefighter being there. There can never be enough words to thank our selfless heroes for what they risk daily but we can dedicate what we have and give back just a little of what they give to us. 

According to Dockery, each year's air show brings recognition to vital members of society. This year MCAS Miramar was proud to invite the San Diego community to join us as we salute those who always answer the call.