Rockets on the runway: Horsham AGS hosts sizable Scouting event, connects with community Published Oct. 28, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond 111th Attack Wing Public Affairs HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa -- The 111th Attack Wing hosted Rocket into Scouting a Boy Scouts of America event held here Oct. 24, to nearly 700 Scouts, family members, and Scout applicants. Rocket into Scouting is a recruiting event for the Cradle of Liberty Council of Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware Counties. The days event included a base tour; historical display; static heavy equipment demonstration; emergency management equipment exhibition; rocket construction and launching; Scouting uniform items and food stands; as well as musical entertainment. Additionally, some Scouts were able to earn their Aviation Merit Badge via a course given by Wing members and a shuttled visit to the local aviation museum. "The kids are having blast," said Staff Sgt. Aaron Hart of the 201st RED HORSE, Detachment 1, who monitored the children around the heavy equipment display. "I'm having a wonderful time too. I like volunteering for the RED HORSE and representing us." As model rockets blasted up through the air, sounds of laughter and awe revealed the delight of attendees. A variety of visitors, from the very young to veteran grandparents, bustled throughout the assortment of displays, tents and attractions constructed by members of the Philadelphia area's Air National Guard unit. "It's been pretty cool," said Chris Hennessey, parent of seven-year old Scout Christopher. "We got a chance to walk through and see the history of the air base, then we built our rockets and afterward we were able to watch them go up. The whole thing has been pretty cool so far." Christopher said that launching the rockets was his favorite part of the day. His father added that if the Wing presented additional Scouting events, they'd be sure to return. "Everyone here has been great," said Hennessey. "We'd definitely come back if [the Wing hosted] another event like this." The 111thATKW is now a remotely piloted aircraft control center and no longer flies the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft so sponsoring this event helps tell the public we are still here and open to the community. "Events like this help tie us to the community and lets them know that we're here and here to help," said Hart. "The kids love climbing all over the equipment and the parents are asking a lot of questions--most were surprised that the base was still open." Not only did the Wing prove to the public that it is an open and a vital installation, it also showed attendees a good time. With its exceptionally large turnout and success, the 111th ATKW and the BSA might consider making this a recurring occasion. "We are hopeful that this event takes off and that we can continue it on an annual basis," said Marcinkowski. The main theme throughout the day for Rocket into Scouting was fun and took extensive coordination and planning between 111th ATKW and the BSA members. "I had fun," said Christopher. "Yea. I would do it again."