Amber flies with the Thunderbirds

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Saturday, May 16, 2015
Amber flies with the Thunderbirds
Amber Rupinta flies with the Air Force Thunderbirds at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base for Wings Over Wayne.

GOLDSBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is hosting the Wings Over Wayne 2015 airshow this weekend.

The elite air squadron is famous for demonstrating aerial maneuvers with precision. They are referred to as Ambassadors in Blue, a team of traveling spokespersons for The Air Force.

"The Thunderbirds have been around since 1953," said Thunderbird #8, Major Scott "Cheetah" Petz. "Our job is to recruit, retain and represent. All three are very important things to go out and do, and that's why we're on the road from February through November, basically doing airshows across the country," Petz said.

Along with the airshows, The Thunderbirds interaction extends beyond the flight line. They can also be found in the community speaking at high schools and frequently provide children in need with VIP access and seats to their airshows.

"We're out here doing a very important mission," said Petz. "And, that's Make A Wish, special needs kids, schools, it's not just the airshows. It's being involved with the community and also representing the airmen deployed around the world that don't have the opportunity to be home."

The Thunderbirds Wings Over Wayne Airshow is Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. It is free to the public and gates open at 8 a.m.

Air demonstrations begin at 10 a.m. each morning and The Thunderbirds will perform at 2:45 p.m. both days.

North Carolina Native Kelly Pickler will also give a concert Saturday at 5 p.m.

For more information on Wings Over Wayne Airshow click HERE.

For more information on The Thunderbirds click HERE

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