Thunderbirds inspire local schools

A member of the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, speaks with students from Sumter High School, Sumter S.C., during a school visit, May 20, 2016. The Thunderbirds pilots and their team members talked to students about their jobs and gave advice about joining the Air Force.

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Thunderbirds inspire local schools

U.S. Air Force Maj. Nick Krajicek, U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron pilot, talks to students during a school visit at Crestwood High School, Sumter, S.C., May 20, 2016. Krajicek discussed his career and his journey to becoming a Thunderbirds pilot to the audience.

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Thunderbirds inspire local schools

Students listen to members of the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron during a school visit at Lakewood High School, Sumter, S.C., May 20, 2016. The Thunderbirds school visits are intended to help reinforce the public’s confidence in the Air Force and project international goodwill. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jensen Stidham)

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Thunderbirds inspire local schools

A member of the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron takes a photo with a student during a Thunderbirds school visit to Sumter High School, Sumter S.C., May 20, 2016. The Thunderbirds team is comprised of 12 officers and approximately 120 enlisted professionals, representing 25 different career fields.

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Thunderbirds inspire local schools

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dwayne Pritchett, U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron personnelist, speaks with students during a school visit at Lakewood High School, Sumter, S.C., May 20, 2016. Pritchett and other Thunderbirds team members spoke to students about their career fields and what it is like being part of the team.

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Thunderbirds inspire local schools

A member of the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron signs autographs during a school visit at Crestwood High School, Sumter S.C., May 20, 2016. Students had the opportunity to talk face-to-face with the Thunderbirds team members and pilots throughout the duration of the school visits. The Thunderbirds showcase the pride, precision, and professionalism of American Airmen both in the air and on the ground.

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Thunderbirds inspire local schools

Published May 24, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Members from the U.S. Air Force precision flying demonstration team – the Thunderbirds - visited Sumter area high schools, May 20.

More than 20 members of the elite flying team visited Crestwood High School, Sumter High School, and Lakewood High School, to speak to hundreds of students as well as provide guidance to those who may be at a crossroad in their lives.

"Think about your goals, write them down, talk to someone about them, and do your best at everything you do and before you know it, you will reach your goals," said Capt. Ryan Bodenheimer, Thunderbirds left wing pilot.

In addition to positive advice, members also spoke about their jobs and provided small group discussions where students could ask individual questions.

"It was a great show of goal empowerment," said (Ret.) Master Sgt. Duane Jules, Lakewood High School Junior ROTC instructor. "Students were refreshed after they shared their stories. A connection was made and the interaction was effective."

On every stop of their tour, the Thunderbirds visit schools and hospitals, and invite special needs and Make-A-Wish children to a special viewing of their practice the day before a public show.