Givin' a smooch at the Visitors Center
My POC (point-of-contact) at the 911th Air Wing, Mst. Sgt. Mark Winklosky (LOVE this guy)
chattin' with a pilot
Getting briefed by my pilot, "Tazz" (Lt. Col. Derek Routt)
more briefing
beginning my medical briefing
learning about what happens to my body during G force pulls
practicing the proper sitting position for extreme G force pulls
learning about how blood flows away from your brain and heart during extreme G force pulls
my blood pressure is so low, I need a salt lick!
checking my heart
signing paperwork to indicate that I've been medically cleared to fly
my gear
gettin' patched up by Tseng, my equipment and safety chief
being congratulated for being chosen to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds
getting the final (and most prestigious) patch: the USAF Thunderbirds patch
learning about the G suit
putting on the G suit on my own
getting laced in so the G suit is custom-fitted to my body
learning about my flight vest
putting on the flight vest for the first time
strapping in my flight vest to my G suit
sitting down for the first time in my flight and G suits to see if it's all comfortable
learning how to detach from my flight vest
learning about the prestigious Thunderbirds helmet: red for courage, blue for honor, white for dignity
putting on the helmet!
getting strapped in
getting fitted for my mask
checking for air leaks
getting ready to put down my visor
I AM ONE BAD LOOKIN' CHIC. Call sign? Moneypenny.
learning how to take the mask on and off
getting my ear plugs placed in my flight suit for later
glove fitting
MY NAME IS ON THE PLANE.
The time has come. Suiting up for real in the G suit.
having a hard time putting it on now that it's been custom-fit to my body so tightly
getting a little help
putting on the vest
The flight crew told me they'd never seen anyone suit up so fast in their vest and grips before! GO ME!
Final hug to Mom
Final hug to Vivian
Final hug to Dad
Final hug to friend Bill
climbing in!
It's trickier than it looks!
Getting strapped in
Going over the "sick bag" routine
me and my pilot, "Tazz"
Preparing for departure
I'm back in one piece! Climbing out of the F16.
SO GLAD TO BE ON THE GROUND
I literally kissed the pavement. Three times.
Lt. Col. Derek Routt introducing me to the entire Thunderbirds Team
I was presented a Thunderbirds VIP Flight Certificate.
I was also presented a gorgeous framed print of the Thunderbirds flying over Wrigley Field.
All members of the Thunderbirds signed the print.
I was asked to give a speech, despite the fact that my brain was still smooshed in the back of my skull.
I know that I cried, told them all how thankful and overwhelmed I was, how much I loved and admired them, and how proud I was of myself for taking on my greatest fear and getting in the plane.
I also told them about my Pappap, who was a WWII veteran who was a POW for almost three years.
I dedicated my F16 flight to him.
I received a personal handshake and thank you from every member of the Thunderbirds Team
I received a personal thank you from the 911th Air Wing's Commander in Chief, Col. Gordon Elwell. Super nice guy!
