By Samantha Joseph

Staff writer

MARTIN COUNTY - When he was a boy growing up in Martin County in the late 1970s, Sean McGlynn never dreamed he would make an entrance by air in a high-tech military aircraft, putting on a show for thousands of spectators.

Today, Mr. McGlynn is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force and chief of safety operations at the Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he is stationed.

At this weekend's VNA Air Show, set for Nov. 14 and 15, he is scheduled to demonstrate the T-6 Texan II, his latest aircraft.

"It's an honor to return to Martin County while representing the United States Air Force," said Mr. McGlynn. "The VNA Stuart Air Show is renowned for its strong support of the military and it is a privilege to be a part of it."

The pilot is a former student of Martin County High School, where he graduated in 1987. He later attended Florida State University, and was a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, before moving onto Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi to attend undergraduate pilot training.

He has since flown combat and support missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and worked as an instructor pilot.

"Sean earned his private pilot license at Witham Field," said Walter McGlynn, Sean's father and a longtime VNA Air Show volunteer.

The older Mr. Glynn still lives in Martin County, as do several other members of his family.

"What a great opportunity (for Sean) to return as a proud member of our military in this capacity," he said.

The air show is set to take place at Witham Field in Stuart. Gates are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with shows scheduled for 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $20 at the gate. For ticket locations and other information, visit www.vnaairshow.com or call (772) 286-1844.