Paul Hays from Omaha, Neb., gives a thumbs-up in the cockpit of a C-17 Globemaster on the Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., on July 18. The practice air show is held the Friday before the scheduled 2014 Defenders of Freedom Open House and Air Show that draws more than a hundred thousand visitors to the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Josh Plueger/Released).