Mike Swallow is an Iowa native who has participated in the National Balloon Classic twice previously. This year he is flying his balloon called “Joint Custody.” 

 

The balloon is owned by the families of Mike and Dale Dommer who have both flown/crewed it for years prior. When Dale moved to Pearland, Texas they decided to purchase the balloon to stay connected to the balloon community. The two families have been involved in ballooning for almost 25 years.