The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) has formally announced the entertainment lineup for the 2025 WBCA Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular Sponsored by Miller Lite. The WBCA Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular Sponsored by Miller Lite will take place during the 127th Washington’s Birthday Celebration on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the Laredo International Airport (Maher Entrance).
“It’s an honor for Miller Lite and Southern Distributing Company to once again bring the Stars and Stripes Air Show Spectacular to Laredo. This event symbolizes the spirit of our community – vibrant, dynamic, and full of energy. Our partnership with WBCA is a testament to our commitment to bringing people together and creating unforgettable experiences. “said Kiko Treviño, Vice President of Southern Distributing Company.
Co-headlining the air will be the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and Redline airshows. We are also pleased to announce Norman Garza and the Texas Space Commission as our 2025 Air Show Marshals.
This year the WBCA Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular Sponsored by Miller Lite will feature the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team is a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force based at Langley Air Force Base, showcasing the capabilities of the F-22 Raptor. The team performs precision aerial maneuvers that display the unique features and agility of the F-22 Raptor during air shows and exhibitions across the country.
The F-22 Raptor is the Air Force’s premier 5th generation fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, supercruise, extreme maneuverability, and integrated avionics represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions that are vital to the 21st century Air Force. The F-22, a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, is designed to rapidly project air dominance at great distances while defeating threats attempting to deny access to our nation’s Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The F-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft.
Prior to 2016, the team consisted of the pilot, safety officer, superintendent, team chief, multiple crew chiefs, and avionics specialists. Now, the team has 14 total members to include public affairs and aircrew flight equipment technicians. Together, the team visits local schools, hospitals, and participates in various community events in addition to performing aerial demonstrations.
Redline is a two-man formation aerobatic performance team that flies in the experimental Van’s Aircraft RV-8. The team flies in day and night performances, though you’ll only get a chance to see the day performance at the WBCA Stars and Stripes Air Show spectacular.
The team’s pilots are Ken Rieder, flight lead, and his son Austin Rieder, wing pilot. Ken, a former corporate and airline pilot, has been flying for more than 36 years and has more than 13,000 flying hours logged.
Austin performed his first solo in a glider when he was 14 years old and in a powered aircraft when he was 16. He’s spent more than half of his flying time with his dad.
Together, they fly in the Van’s RV-8, which is a two-seat, tandem plane. They are capable of flying up to 230 mph and have a stall speed of 55 mph.
Immerse yourself in the thrill of high-octane aerobatics with SRC Airshows! Led by master pilot and owner Stephen Covington, SRC Airshows brings over 20 years of aviation experience to the skies of Monroe. Marvel as Stephen pilots his powerful, custom-modified Pitts S2S, fittingly named “The Raptor,” through breathtaking maneuvers.
Stephen’s lifelong passion for flight shines in each daring twist and roll. From his childhood dreams to his career as a commercial pilot, he’s developed a style that leaves audiences spellbound. Look forward to his signature acts, including an electrifying dual performance with Jason Newburg in their synchronized twin Pitts routine, and the renowned Immortal Red Baron act, where a thrilling aerial “dogfight” complete with realistic machine gun effects brings history to life.
Stephen’s talents extend beyond the skies. In Longview, Texas, he applies his precision and creativity to custom car building, crafting everything from classic hot rods to sleek modern sports cars. His dedication to perfection is clear in each customized vehicle and in every high-flying display.
“This year’s Air Show is set to be an incredible, high-flying spectacle with a lineup showcasing the very best in both military and civilian aviation. This year we’re bringing a new level of excitement and wonder to the skies of Laredo,” said WBCA President Fernando Montemayor. “The addition of legendary performers like the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, Redline aviation, SRC Airshows and more only adds to the anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable event.”
Adding to the excitement will be a slew of amazing aerial and static displays which will include the work of world renowned Air Show Commentator, Mike “Spanky” Galloway; Aerial pilots: Randy Ball, Aaron Taylor, Bob Richards and the REMAX Skydiving team, and more.
For static displays, the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing will provide the C-47 That’s All Brother and a C-45 Lonestar Lady. The C-47 will also take flight at the show. We are also working with the Texas Military and hopefully they can bring down a C-5, F-16, and more. We are working with Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, and Navy Air Stations, NAS Kingsville and NAS Corpus Christi to have a presence at our show, plus so much more!
The Air Show Sponsored by Miller Lite, will remain one of the most affordable air shows in the country – just $20 for adults and children 12 and under will get in FREE. Tickets are available exclusively online at thewbcaairshow.org. You can take advantage and buy your Early Bird General Admission ticket today for only $10 and save FIFTY PERCENT! The early bird sale will run until January 31st.
Preferred seating will also be available inside the grounds which includes the The Afterburner Club Sponsored by Falcon Bank and the Flightline Chalet.
The Afterburner Club Sponsored by Falcon Bank presale ticket includes general admission to the air show grounds, access to the static displays, guaranteed seats in the Afterburner Club, a sun and shaded seating area, premium viewing area, complimentary food and non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary alcoholic beverages and exclusive restrooms. Individual tickets are $100. Tables of 10 are also available at the Afterburner Club for $1,000.
“Falcon Bank is proud to sponsor the Afterburner Club, offering a premium experience at the Air Show. We believe in supporting events that bring joy and excitement to our community, and the Air Show is a perfect example of that. Our guests will enjoy unparalleled views, comfort, and hospitality, making their experience at the Air Show truly memorable,” said Natalie Hernández First Vice President Digital Banking for Falcon Bank.
The Flightline Chalet $40 pre-sale ticket includes general admission to the air show grounds, access to static displays, a sun and shaded seating area, premium viewing area, complimentary pizza, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and exclusive restrooms.
AIR SHOW MARSHAL
Norman Roy Garza, Jr. joined Texas Space Commission (TxSC) as the inaugural executive director on July 1, 2024. Previously, he served in several capacities at The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) since 2014.
During his tenure, he held two titles: assistant vice chancellor of government relations and external affairs for three state agencies funded by the Legislature – Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES); the Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) ; and the Transportation Institute (TTI) – as well as vice president of government relations for the flagship campus, Texas A&M University in College Station, as well as its remote sites in McAllen and Houston and D.C. and the Branch Campus in Galveston.
While at Texas A&M, Norman supported major initiatives such as: partnering with U.S. Army Futures Command to create the Bush Combat Development Complex; obtaining management contracts from the NNSA for Los Alamos National Laboratory as well as the Pantex Plant; securing state appropriations to build the Center for Infrastructure Renewal at The RELLIS Campus in Bryan; implementing an advanced manufacturing workforce training program with the Port of Brownsville; establishing The A&M Semiconductor Institute as well as The A&M Space Institute. Prior to service at TAMUS, Norman was an Associate Legislative Director at Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and had also worked for a state senator at the Texas Capitol.
Born in Harlingen, Norman is a native Texan with roots across the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. He is a graduate of Pleasanton High School, as well as St. Edward’s University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Additionally, he studied at the Universidad de Belgrano in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and earned a certificate through the Governor’s Executive Development Program (GEDP) from The University of Texas at Austin.
Norman has volunteered his time in leadership roles with several statewide non-profit organizations, such as Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation/Stewards of the Wild; Texan by Nature; Texas Agriculture Land Trust; as well as locally at Saint Mary Cathedral in Austin.
The 127th Washington’s Birthday Celebration will take place January 16 – March 1, 2025. Join us for the “Celebration with Something for Everyone!”
Stay up to date with all our events by visiting our website at wbcalaredo.org. You can also stay up to date, win ticket giveaways and other prizes by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
