April 1 Deadline Fast Approaching for Board Nominations
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2017 Volume 24 No. 1 Dedicated Crew Chief and Assistant DCC Staff Sgt. Jesse Barker and Staff Sgt. Aaron Scott-Langley continue a Thunderbirds tradition, revealing Lt. Col. Jason “Shifty” Heard’s name and new duty title as Commander/Leader of the air demonstration squadron during a change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 6. Heard assumed command from Lt. Chris “Reggie” Hammond, who left the squadron to attend the NATO College in Rome Italy. The new commander/ leader joined the squadron after serving as the Chief of Safety at the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Couillard) April 1 Deadline Fast Approaching for Board Nominations The April 1 deadline is fast approaching for those interested First, alumni must be current in TBAA dues (annual dues in running for the Thunderbirds Alumni Association Board paid by March 31, 2017) or a lifetime member to be a nom- of Directors. inee as well as to vote in the election. Second, individuals desiring to run for these positions can be nominated by a fel- Turnover of the TBAA Board Jan. 1, 2018 will include low Thunderbirds alumnus, or they may self-nominate. And Chairman Jeff Remington (Solo 1988-89), Secretary Shellie lastly, nominations must be received by the April 1 deadline. Vaught (Personnel Specialist 1998-2000), Treasurer Brian Plauche (Crew Chief #7,#1, #8 2000-05) and Director All nominations should include full name and contact (Nominations/Elections Chairman) Frank Howe (PA information for both the nominee and the nominator. Administrator 1995-98). Additionally, someone will be Nominations can be emailed to Frank Howe at Tbirds1995@ elected to fill the vacancy created when Director Kati gmail.com. Grabham (Media Relations 2002-07) resigned last year. For those nominated, Howe will first confirm their desire to “We are particularly interested in nominees who are willing serve. Then he will ask for a short biography that includes to help with the immense efforts required to run the organi- years and positions held while on the team and a statement zation,” said Howe, Nominating Committee Chairman. “We of why they want to serve on the board. Lastly, he’ll ask for a need someone to organize a great reunion in 2019 or folks head and shoulders photo in jpg format. who may have expertise in accounting and finance, fundrais- ing, or QuickBooks.” A ballot will appear in the second quarter 2017 issue of ThunderRolls (distributed in the April- June time frame). Ballots For those thinking about running or voting for those run- can be emailed to Frank Howe at Tbirds1995@ gmail.com. ning, there are a few things to know. From the Chairman Welcome We’ve asked to visit the squadron Friday, serving, please let Frank Howe know by April to 2017 and Nov 10. The team should be flying a prac- 1. Email him at [email protected]. the first of tice demonstration in preparation for the We continue to welcome a number of new three issues of Air Force Chief of Staff ‘s 70th Air Force annual and lifetime members. Your help is ThunderRolls anniversary airshow Saturday and Sunday, needed to recruit our teammates and con- printed this year. Nov. 11-12. vince them that the $30 annual fee, or $300 As we said fare- The TBAA business meeting will be lifetime membership, is worth the money. well to another Saturday morning on Nov. 11. One item on The idea of continuing our belief that “Once year, we turn the business meeting agenda is a proposed a Thunderbird, Always a Thunderbird” our attention by-laws change regarding the investment is something to be proud of. In addition, to planning for account which the Board will ask the mem- we do have a lot of fun getting together as this year’s reunion Nov. 9-11. There’s several bership to approve. members of certain year teams, or collec- changes to this year’s from those of the past. tively, at the reunion. We’re looking at several options for the ban- The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in quet Saturday night. Look for updates on Finally, I want to congratulate Lt. Col. Jason downtown Las Vegas will host this year’s this in the ThunderRolls issues distributed Heard on assuming command of the team. reunion. in May and August. I wish him and all the men and women of his team a very successful 2017 season. For planning purposes, the golf outing will Invitations will be mailed out this summer. I encourage all alumni to show the team be the morning of Thursday, Nov 9 at the Registrations will be online (with a credit their support by attending a Thunderbirds Highland Falls Gold Course in Summerlin. card) through the TBAA website demonstration if one is scheduled near you. Hall-of-Famer Billy Casper and master (www.tbaa.org). We’ll began accepting them course-planner Greg Nash designed the in June. course. Highland Falls’ eighteen holes are We have a large turnover in the Board of fun, fair and challenging (par-72, 6,512 Directors this year. The voting for new yards, rating/slope 70.1/119). directors will take place in advance of the The Perch Party will be held Thursday Reunion business meeting. Results will be Jeff Remington night at the Golden Nugget. This leaves announced at reunion so you can speak Solo (1988–89) Friday night open for mini reunions or get directly with the new directors while there. Chairman (2014–2017) together with friends. If you or someone you know is interested in went smoothly and we’ve been welcomed We’re as proud as ever to represent Airmen From the Boss with open arms by the current team and during the 2017 show season…not only EDITOR’S past alumni. Our life is filled with pride in in the United States, but also in the United NOTE: Lt. serving our country and amazing Airmen Kingdom. We can’t wait to meet you on the Col. Jason A. friends, it’s a tremendous honor to join the road and hear your stories, I can promise that Heard became Thunderbirds as the Commander/Leader to we’re working hard to exceed the high stan- Commander/ share our passion for the Air Force. dards that you’ve established. This year marks the 70th anniversary of our Air Force, setting Leader of the We’re humbled to follow in your footsteps up a great reunion show for you at Nellis U.S. Air Force Air accomplishing the Thunderbirds mission coincident with the Air Force Chief of Staff’s Demonstration — no other organization represents and 70th Air Force anniversary airshow. You’re in Squadron promotes our Airmen with such tremendous for an airpower extravaganza! “Thunderbirds” impact. “Inspiring tomorrow’s Airmen” is not Jan. 6. He previ- just a catch phrase, it’s been the responsibility Finally, a huge thanks to Lt. Col. “Reggie” ously served as of this team for 64 years. Hammond and the departing 2016 team Chief of Safety for the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF members. Reggie led the team through two We’re gearing up for show season and classic Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Colonel Heard fantastic seasons, and several difficult chal- Thunderbirds teamwork is keeping training is both a Senior Pilot and Navigator with more lenges. We’ll miss him and his incredible on track, despite substantial aircraft availability than 3,000 flight hours. He led an F-15E squad- family as he departs for school in Rome, Italy. ron in combat as expeditionary squadron com- challenges. Bulkhead inspections and depot- mander. He also served as Director of Operations level maintenance is testing our ability to com- The team is grateful for how well we’re pos- of the 492d Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, plete the team’s syllabus, but will ensure safe tured for our 64th year. It’s a great time to be RAF Lakenheath. This is his first commentary as Thunderbird aircraft for the future. Despite a Thunderbird! Commander/Leader of the Thunderbirds. these difficulties, we’re not only on track for our Commander, Air Combat Command cer- Thanks for allowing us to share informa- tification on March 5, but we’ll also perform tion about the 2017 team! My wife Amy the Super Bowl 51 flyby on Feb. 5 and Daytona and three children are proud to be joining 500 flyby on Feb. 26. Lt. Col. Jason Heard the Thunderbirds. Our PCS from England USAFADS Commander/Leader (2017-18) 2 Planning Underway for 2017 Reunion Nov. 9-11 Planning is in full swing for this year’s reunion areas), basic, in-room daily Internet access charged. They accept Nov. 9-11 hosted by the Golden Nugget Hotel for two devices daily, two bottled waters, all major credit and Casino in downtown Las Vegas. daily (waters will be located in the guest cards. rooms), complimentary parking, compli- The Thunderbirds Alumni Association Preferred mentary airline boarding passes printing via group room rates are: check-in guar- the Front Desk or Box Office 24/7, com- antees smok- $59 Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday plimentary newspapers in your respective ing and room and $ 119 Friday and Saturday nights in tower lobby from 6–10 a.m. daily, and location requests the Carson Tower King; and $89 Tuesday downtown destination coupons. and offers expe- through Thursday and Sunday and $149 All rooms are equipped with a hair dryer, dited check-in at the Golden Nugget’s VIP Friday and Saturday nights in the Gold in-room safe, an iron and ironing board.