JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Members of the Air Force Air Demonstration Team, the
Thunderbirds, spoke to students at Judson and Samuel Clemens High School in
Converse and Schertz, Texas, respectively, today about the professionalism and
dedication it takes to be a part of today’s Air Force.
During the visit to Samuel Clemens High School, members of
the Thunderbird spoke to students about their personal Air Force story, why
they chose to become a Thunderbird and answered questions from the students.
“The biggest part of the Thunderbirds mission is to inspire
tomorrow’s Airmen,” Maj. Joshua Boudreaux, Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron
Thunderbird 2, said. “We are here to speak to these kids and help them
understand the opportunities that the Air Force can provide them.”
In addition to inspiring the next generation of Airmen, part
of the Thunderbird’s mission is to connect the community to the military.
“Less than one percent of Americans serve in the military,
and it’s important that we connect those who have sworn to protect our
constitution with those who have never had the opportunity to meet a service
member,” Boudreaux said.
Two Thunderbirds team members also revisited their old
stomping grounds when they spoke to the JROTC students at Judson High School.
Staff Sgt. Matthew Gips, Thunderbirds knowledge operations
manager, who attended JHS from 2004 to 2008 and participated in the JROTC
program there, emphasized the importance of working hard throughout high school
to pursue a successful future.
“I relaxed my work ethic significantly during my senior year
here and it caused me issues later on,” Gips said. “In adult life, it’s not
realistic to expect to succeed without a plan and 100 percent effort for
everything you do. Joining the Air Force was one of the best things to ever
happen to me because it introduced the structure I needed in my life.”
Maj. Christopher Scheibler, Thunderbirds flight surgeon, who
attended JHS from 1996 to 2000, said the opportunity to visit JHS students gave
him and Gips a chance to reflect on the path that led them to joining the
Thunderbirds team since graduating high school.
“This was a great opportunity to step back and see what we
have learned since graduating,” Scheibler said. “Today we were able to pass on
some of those lessons and be an example for the upcoming generation interested
in our military.”
For anyone hoping to join the Air Force, Boudreaux offered
some simple advice.
“Come in with a great attitude and we will give
you the rest.”