Thunderbirds Demo at Air Force Academy Graduation May 2007

Part of the graduation ceremonies at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs was a demonstration at the end by the Thunderbird Delta Formation. This is a team of amazing pilots who go around the country showing what AF pilots are capable of through performing complicated and death-defying (at least it looks that way to me!) acts with their jets and the others in the group.

The demonstration came after the cadets had received their diplomas. For approximately 20 minutes the 6 demonstration pilots, each in their own aircraft, performed curls, drops, and other maneuvers that made me glad I was not their mother! They would fly straight at each other and then veer off at the last minute. Wow! If you can ever see a demonstration by the AF Thunderbirds, do it! It’s fabulous and will make you very proud of our young people who are willing to undergo the training to do this special skill that translates over into war maneuvers.

I had the privilege of meeting the executive officer of the Thunderbirds in the Denver airport. Capt. Amy Glisson looks far too small and feminine to be in charge of this unit. But she does it and does it well. She was patient as we took this shot and very humble as people complimented her on her job.

Thanks to all of the Thunderbird pilots who staged this performance for the families and friends at the 2007 US Air Force Academy graduation. It was something we’ll never forget!

There are photos of the Thunderbirds at http://www.nellis.af.mil/photos/index.asp?galleryID=1568.

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“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.”- Colossians 2:9-10