 |
Thunderbirds Gather for Reunion Celebration Once again Thunderbirds gathered from all points of the globe to reunion at the Las Vegas Hilton and at our hangar home. Why do we spend our travel time and dollars to make this biennial migration? We do it to reconnect and renew those bonds forged during our time in the red, white, and blue. We do it for that endorphin rush when we get a hug or pat on the back from one or several of our fellow alumni members. We do it for the same reasons that we visit family members because these relationships matter.Reunion guests hit the ground running early Thursday to hit the links for the Thunderbird Open or to catch a cool breeze on the very first Reunion Ride through the desert. Later, Lt Col Mike Chandler and his team kicked off the celebration with a "welcome home" party at the Thunderbird hangar. We enjoyed mingling with the 2005 Thunderbird team, fabulous food and drinks, and time spent revisiting our well cared for homestead. The Perch renovation is revolutionary. It's a great place for Thunderbirds to gather, a place where our alumni support of the team is visible. Friday's air show was spectacular as Thunderbird F-16s painted the Las Vegas sky red, white, and blue. Nothing compares to the dignity of that beautiful six-ship delta formation, or the pride felt while watching "the boys" perform their march down. After, cheerful toasts echoed from both the Thunderbird Officers' and NCOs' clubs. Friday evening's groups met on their own for dinner and more intimate get togethers. The T-38 and early F-16 eras met for a more raucous celebration. Saturday's well-attended meeting showcased Dan Cherry's "State of the Association" briefing, while Lt Col Mike Chandler outlined his "State of the Team". Colonel Waldo Givhan presented the proposed Thunderbird Heritage Center, a new, off-campus Thunderbird museum. A terrific 2006 board was elected to continue the tradition of excellence set by previous boards. Saturday evening's gala was a heart warming and proud experience. The "Lady Phantoms" Color Guard was in perfect step as they posted the colors and demonstrated the 13 folds of the flag. Their tribute to our "Gone, But Not Forgotten" teammates moved many to tears. Awards were presented, and the evening finished with a joyous and exuberant singing of the Air Force song. After, many lingered in the local lounge to try to extend those bittersweet good byes. Eventually, the goodbyes were tempered with promises to meet again in 2007! Those are promises to keep. Of course we wouldn't have these memory-making moments without our sponsors. Our heart-felt thanks to Lockheed Martin, Pratt and Whitney, Alliance Air Service, Vanguard Industries West, The Coca-Cola Company, DeLuca Liquor and Wine, J. Lohr Winery, Allergy Relief Specialists, Protocall Communications, Las Vegas Floral Designers International, Chase-Durer Watch Company, Nevada Federal Credit Union and, our 2005 host hotel, the Las Vegas Hilton. 
|
|
|
Macromedia FLASH Player © 2008 Thunderbirds Alumni Association
|
Webmaster Contacts
|
|
|
