Air show announcer takes the stage

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alyssa C. Miles
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- --  Barksdale has hosted hundreds of thousands of people during its Defenders of Liberty Air Shows. While the faces in the crowd and aircraft in the sky may change, over the past 14 years, one air show supporter has served as a constant and key performer during the annual open house. 

Before the opening note of the National Anthem is sung, Larry Strain's voice can be heard, "It's show time!" 

Mr. Strain, an Orlando, Fla., native, has served as the Barksdale Defenders of Liberty Air Show announcer for longer than most Airmen have been stationed at the base. His career as an announcer began 25 years ago with what he describes as a fluke. 

"I belonged to an organization that was called the Confederate Air Force, now the Commemorative Air Force," he explained. "I was attending a show in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the announcer didn't show up." 

Mr. Strain, who had previously served for 10 years as a newscaster, quickly answered the call for a replacement. 

"I stupidly raised my hand and got assigned the announcer position," he said with a laugh. "I knew nothing about the World War II aircraft that were being flown, but I had to learn quickly. I enlisted the aid of one of the members of the Commemorative Air Force who knew a lot about the aircraft - the engines and the horsepower and what they were used for - and I ultimately made it through my first show." 

Mr. Strain's love for the radio and television realms influenced him to volunteer to be the narrator at several other air shows. 

"Having been in radio and television, I know what it's like to have an audience be appreciative of what you do," he said. "I thought it was a lot of fun and maybe I could bring something to the crowd that others couldn't. My main goal is to make sure the audience feels like they are in the cockpit during each individual event." 

In fact, Mr. Strain enjoyed the opportunity to speak in front of open house crowds so much that he volunteered to narrate air shows across the country. He was so well-known and favored for the commentary he gave during shows, that once he decided to quit due to the costs and stressors of traveling, he was offered money to continue his services. 

His expertise has also landed him a training position at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., during the spring. His frequent trips to Air Force bases have made him a familiar face to members of the demonstration teams. 

"I work with Mr. Strain four to five times per year," said Master Sgt. Jeff Anderson, F-16 demo team chief. "He's an amazing guy to watch - he knows what he's doing and he has a heck of a personality. He teaches us a lot of techniques and has done wonders for what we do in this job. Without guys like him, this industry would be a completely different place to work. I'm definitely looking forward to continue working with him in the future." 

Mr. Strain can be found at about 17 shows a year. However, he says the Barksdale crowd is one of his favorite to interact with. 

"I do a lot of military shows, but I love coming to Barksdale," he said. "The civilians really treat us well here. The thing I really love is the patriotism of not only the people in the military, but the civilians as well. They are very patriotic and they get behind you 100 percent." 

One sign of devotion from the crowd from the 2009 air show that particularly stands out in his mind is after the departure of the B-2 bomber. 

"The B-2 is loud, it's a military aircraft," he said. "But as it disappeared out of sight, I said 'Ladies and gentlemen, that's the sound of freedom.' And without any kind of prompting the people broke out into applause, knowing full well what I meant." 

At the end of each open house, Mr. Strain thanks the crowd for coming out to see the show. With the 2009 Defenders of Liberty Air Show behind him, he will continue on to Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., as the man behind the mic.