This Dayton Daily News article talks about the Virtual Army Experience at the 2009 Vectren Dayton Air Show. From the article: "The Virtual Army Experience was one of the most popular attractions at the air show this year. After all, the huge grey tent holding nearly 20,000 square feet of virtual reality entertainment was hard to miss.
The attraction launched in 2007, said Public Relations manager Amy Lindstrom, and this is the second time it has been featured at the Vectren Dayton Air Show.
The press release states “the high-tech, team-based mission challenges participants, 13-years and older, to employ teamwork, rules of engagement, leadership and state-of-the-art military technology to successfully complete their mission.” The mission of the game, said Lindstrom, is to rescue a group of captured humanitarian workers.
After participants learn about their mission, they are taken into a room and placed in simulators that are nearly exact replicas of vehicles used by Army Special Forces. Some players are loaded into a life-size UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter surrounded by high-definition screens displaying the game play. The weapons are also very realistic, and even have a slight kickback when the player shoots at the enemy. The vehicles and helicopters shake and vibrate when under attack, providing a very real experience.
“One of the goals of the VAE is to educate the public on the army today,” said Lindstrom. “It’s also great for people who have an interest in the military.”
After the game, visitors meet Sgt. John Adams who is featured in America’s Army Real Heroes program. America’s Army is an army-released PC game featuring nine soldiers who have “earned citations for bravery and valor,” according to the press release. Adams received his Bronze Star with Valor for his involvement and heroism in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Although Adams was not made into a video game character like some of the other Real Heroes, he does have his own action figure, which he autographed and passed out to a few lucky players. “A lot of people haven’t experienced what it’s like. It puts them in the seat,” said Adams, who has been enlisted in the army for 15 years. “It was pretty cool,” said Kyle Hurst, 14, as he exited the tent. “The guns were so realistic.” Max Swoboda, 14, agrees that the guns were one of the best features. “It was a lot of fun. I’d like to enlist in the army when I’m older, but I’m still deciding,” he said. “I love it,” Adams said of the program. “And everyone is all smiles when they come out.”