35 cents
VOL. 5/ISSUE 25
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017
Newest member of Thunderbirds:
‘It feels like a dream’
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jason Hughes, former 23d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron chief enlisted manager, poses in front of an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Upon enlisting as an F-15 Strike Eagle crew chief in 1997, Hughes dedicated 20 years to servicing six airframes. Now, he will become the newest member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Photo by Airman Gregory Nash
Gregory Nash
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jason Hughes, the chief enlisted manager for the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, dedicated 20 years to servicing six different airframes. Now, he’s accomplished another goal by becoming the newest member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. “I’m humbled beyond words and the ex-
citement is overwhelming in a great way,” Hughes said. “The Thunderbirds are the face of the Air Force and the chance to help tell their story and all of our individual stories to inspire and attract future generations of airmen is the most exciting thing. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Hughes added. “It’s hard to put into
See THUNDERBIRD page 6