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Thunderbirds fly hometown hero

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  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  One local firefighter received the trip of a lifetime here, May 20.

The U.S. Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, awarded Christopher Geddings, Sumter City fire department engineer, with the chance of a lifetime, to fly with them.

“It was awesome,” said Geddings. “We did all kinds of maneuvers, stunts, and I actually got to fly the airplane.”

Geddings’ office nominated him for the opportunity, and the Thunderbirds chose him. Geddings’ service dates back more than 21 years, as both a professional firefighter and a volunteer. As the engineer, he drives the fire engine and maintains the water supply and equipment used on-scene.

“It allows us to really connect with the community,” said Maj. Kevin Walsh, Thunderbirds director of operations. “Which is one of the primary missions of the Thunderbirds. It’s to bridge that gap between the civilians and the military. Allowing us to fly hometown heroes, especially when it’s someone like a police officer or firefighter, it really helps bridge that gap and accomplish the mission.”

The hero flight showcased the style and maneuvers of the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Thunderbirds show profile.

“We got to showcase what the diamond formation does,” said Walsh. “Which is the four-ship that flies around together, as well as the solos, that showcases more of what the F-16 does.”

Geddings’ said he was honored to be chosen and that the entire experience was something he will hold with him forever. He added that he would jump at the chance to fly again.

“He did excellent,” said Walsh. “He had a great, positive attitude, just being a fireman, you can tell he’s used to being in confined spaces with a lot of gear on, which certainly lends itself to flying in the F-16. He certainly wasn’t intimidated by any of that. He really handled the ‘G’ well and the environment well.”