TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Soldiers with the First Combat Aviation Brigade of Fort Riley's Big Red One spent a day away from their usual duties.

The Combat Air Museum invited the group for a visit.

The museum wanted to thank soldiers and their families for their service as well as establish a program to reward soldiers for superior service with free passes to the museum.

"It's just a tremendous opportunity for us to share our aviation history and heritage with the great aviation history and traditions of the great state of Kansas," Colonel Mike Morgan said.

About 500 soldiers of the Demon Brigade, as they are known, attended, bringing their families along.

"Me coming from the aviation field with the army, I only work on helicopters. But actually being able to see all these airplanes was actually pretty cool today," Specialist Cody Penning said.

Museum officials say they're planning
exhibits to include the history of the Combat Aviation Brigade and current theatres of war in the museum.

Soldiers who were not able to attend Thursday have the opportunity to do so for free through Sunday, August 5.