Kentucky Air Guard joins dozens of groups to honor veterans at city parade

  • Published
  • By Dale Greer
  • 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LOUISVILLE, Ky. --  The Kentucky Air National Guard was among more than 50 military and civic organizations that participated in the city’s annual Veterans Day Parade and massing of the Colors here on Saturday, when thousands of spectators lined Jefferson Street for the 90-minute event.

One of the parade’s highlights was an appearance by the 123rd Airlift Wing’s Mini C-130, a non-flying scale replica of the venerable Hercules transport aircraft flown by the men and women of the Louisville-based unit.

The Mini was fabricated by Airmen from the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Maintenance Group and made its debut during the 2004 Kentucky Derby Festival Parade, where it took top honors in the Specialty Unit category.

Although the Mini C-130 isn’t capable of flight, its realistic sheet-metal and steel-frame construction feature a functional cargo door and seating for up to a dozen passengers. It's powered by a 27-horsepower gasoline motor and can reach speeds of up to 20 mph.

The replica is a big hit with children, who’ve lined up to take “test flights” during its many appearances at civic functions across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.