Aviators to share tales of the sky

Thunderbird pilots, famed Hoosier airmen will assist fundraiser for kids’ surgeries

By Aldrich M. Tan
aldrich.tan@indystar.com

Before they get suited up, before they climb into their supersonic jets and long before they streak across the skies, the Thunderbirds plan to help do a bit of fundraising next weekend by sharing dinner with anyone interested in hearing about their exploits.

The event Friday evening, a precursor to the squadron’s air show at Mount Comfort Airport near Greenfield, will feature current and former Thunderbird pilots and renowned Hoosier airmen, including former Gov. Edgar Whitcomb.

“This is an opportunity to meet some of the greatest aviators of our time,” symposium chairman Jim Graham said. “We want to educate and inspire
with patriotism.”

Money raised at the event will help pay for surgeries for needy Indiana children, as well as those from developing countries, at Riley Hospital for Children,
Graham said.

Guests will get to meet this year’s six Thunderbird pilots, including Maj. Nicole Malachowski, the first female Thunderbird pilot, Graham said.

“She’s going to be certainly motivational for little girls who want to fly,” Graham said. “Now they can see that it is possible to rise to the top and be a Thunderbird.”

Three former Thunderbirds, now highly decorated U.S. Air Force officials, will speak about their experiences.

For example, Gen. Merrill McPeak, retired Air Force chief of staff, will talk about the time he lost both of his wings during a maneuver and almost became an “unguided missile,” Graham said.

NASA astronaut and U.S. Air Force flight surgeon David Wolf also will speak at the symposium, Graham said. Wolf, an Indianapolis native, conducted four space walks during three separate missions.

Retired U.S. Air Force Cols. Edgar Whitcomb and James Kasler will be this year’s honored guests. Whitcomb was governor of Indiana from 1969 to 1973. He will be selling copies of his book “Escape from Corregidor,” in which he wrote about being captured twice by the Japanese during World War II, to raise money for Riley.

Kasler is a retired Korean War veteran living in Momence, Ill. He said he looks forward to seeing the Thunderbirds soar.

“The planes were made out of faulty aluminum and steel when I was serving,” he said.

“Now, they are made of stronger materials like titanium, which make them safer to fly.”

Attendees can get a firsthand look at those older planes; the air show includes more than 30 historical military aircraft.

Last year’s fundraiser, featuring the Blue Angels, drew a crowd of about 500, Graham said.

“The kids just mobbed them,” Graham said. “The adults are a little bit more restrained, but they were also in admiration.”

Call Star reporter Aldrich M. Tan at (317) 444-6309.