Who's been in the air on an F-16

[swankster]

Gosh, I envy my brother.
I have always wanted to go airborne in one of these Jets. From day one i still get the willies when i see them do manuevers and such out of the Fresno Air Guard. Especially at dusk when the afterburners kick in when they go verticle.
He may indeed have that oppurtunity! I will never I'm afraid :

Police lieutenant chosen as Hometown Hero: Scotts Valley officer will be honored at International Airshow for work with community
By Yael Sherne
Posted: 07/28/2010 01:30:37 AM PDT



SCOTTS VALLEY -- John Hohmann, a 49-year-old Scotts Valley police lieutenant, is being considered for the ride of his life.

Hohmann is one of five "Hometown Heroes" who will be honored during the California International Airshow this fall. One of those five, who were chosen from hundreds of nominees, will later get a bird's-eye view of the Central Coast aboard an F-16 jet courtesy of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

"Once you get a jet ride from a Thunderbird, you can never get one again, so it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Julie Ann Lozano, media coordinator for the Salinas airshow.

Hohmann was nominated by his father-in-law, Michael Donnolley, for Hohmann's work with local high schools and the Special Olympics.

"He has brought a tremendous amount of joy and self-esteem to these kids who otherwise wouldn't have it," Donnolley said. "So in my book, that's a hero."

Hohmann has taught a course in criminal justice at Scotts Valley High School the past three years. He also participates in the Regional Occupation Program academy, in which the Scotts Valley department brings students into the station to teach them about the department.

Hohmann also helps organize the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run through Santa Cruz County. Three years ago he took over coordination of local fundraising events for the Special Olympics. He estimated that his department alone raises $10,000 annually for the cause.

"We


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get our children involved in athletics because it builds character," Hohmann said. "People who are developmentally disabled get this opportunity through the Special Olympics."

Police Chief John Weiss said Hohmann's constant positive attitude and enthusiasm make him a worthy nominee.

"I'm really proud of his work," Weiss said. "I'm hoping to wave to him as he jumps in the back of one of those beautiful jets."

Hohmann said he would love the jet ride but admitted to being a little nervous.

The rides are part of a program developed by the Thunderbirds to acknowledge the everyday heroes in communities nationwide.

In addition to a show by the Thunderbirds, there will be vintage planes, military planes and cargo planes at the annual airshow. Attendees also can expect monster trucks.

The airshow is a fundraising event that has given about $5 million over the past 30 years to charities such as Meals on Wheels, Children's Miracle Network and the American Red Cross.

I've never been to an airshow but its my undersatanding that they art pretty Cool.
Swank

[swankster]

Addendum:
http://www.kionrightnow.com/global/v...v&rnd=71661788

[GsxR1000Ryda]

I'm pretty sure MadKaw has

[MadKaw]

hey Rich thats so cool for him. He will love it and remember it for life.

Yes there was a time long ago when my hair wasnt grey when there was the F-4. I have about 5 hrs F-4 time.

[habu]

I know my dads been in the backseat many times for a joy ride. He was station at Edwards AFB, just down the road from Willow Springs. He say he still thinks that 150+ thru turn 8 at willow is still the best feeling.

Rides: T-38, F-4, F16, F15, F-111F and A-37

Hes riden map of the earth to 50,000ft.

He still says that HALOing from 24,000 ft is hes greats ride.

Blair

[GSXR888]

Originally Posted by habu

I know my dads been in the backseat many times for a joy ride. He was station at Edwards AFB, just down the road from Willow Springs. He say he still thinks that 150+ thru turn 8 at willow is still the best feeling.

Rides: T-38, F-4, F16, F15, F-111F and A-37

Hes riden map of the earth to 50,000ft.

He still says that HALOing from 24,000 ft is hes greats ride.

Blair

my dream ride would be in a F-15, F-22, and SR-71 and or it's replacement...

[sincalirider]

Originally Posted by GSXR888

my dream ride would be in a F-15, F-22, and SR-71 and or it's replacement...

I wish I knew what it would be like to fly in an SR-71. Flying so high you are almost kissing space, man that must be a rush