Nominate someone to fly with the Thunderbirds

Monday, July 28, 2014

Do you know an everyday citizen who is devoted to their community or has done something amazing for someone else? If so, he or she could have the opportunity to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

The 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base will host Gunfighter Skies 2014 Sept. 20 and 21. The free open house will feature the Thunderbirds and they are offering the possibility for a "Hometown Hero" to fly with them prior to the show, either Sept. 18 or 19.

The Thunderbirds host a Hometown Hero Orientation Flight Program in communities throughout America prior to their show. "The program is designed to showcase American citizens doing amazing things in their communities, paralleling the amazing efforts put forth by America's Airmen every day," the base public affairs office said.

Heroes might include, but are not limited to: an average citizen who heroically saved a life; a renowned teacher; a community humanitarian volunteer; a local firefighter, paramedic or police officer; one who mentors children or volunteers as a coach or tutor in a youth program; or someone who dedicates their life to working with at-risk children.

People ineligible for the Hometown Hero program include, but are not limited to: active-duty military members, elected and appointed officials, unit honorary commanders, newscasters, reporters, board directors or other individuals who have the ability to garner publicity in their own right.

"To avoid misperceptions, we are unable to fly individuals whose main hometown hero flight justification derives from actions in support of their local military installation and its personnel," the PA office said, adding that persons with prior felony convictions alsorare not eligible for a flight.

The information required to be submitted before Friday, Aug. 1, includes:

* A letter of justification that should state why each individual should receive the flight, the amount and type of media coverage offered (the Mountain Home News promises to do a story with picture so you can list that as the required commitment from an area media outlet).

* A Flight Information Sheet must be filled out, as well as a Flight Health Questionnaire (note that medical qualifications for fliers will be based on Air Force Flying Class II Medical Standards). A letter by the flier's physician stating the nominee's current prescriptions and any significant medical issues must be included in the package and there must be a statement verifying the individual is fit to fly in a fighter aircraft. Without that letter the individual will not fly.

There are also some restrictions on height and weight requirements.

The nominee must also sign a Hold Harmless Agreement/

If you have someone you would like to nominate, or to have copies of the forms e-mailed to you, contact the 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at 828-6800 or send an e-mail to: 366FW/PA.Public.Affairs@us.af.mil.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: