Reserve maintainer selected for Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A maintainer from Air Force Reserve Command's 926th Group was recently selected for a coveted spot with the United States Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds.

Staff Sergeant Andrue Donaldson, an F-16 crew chief, was patched during a ceremony March 12 in the Thunderbird hangar.

"The amount of professionalism on this team is amazing," Sergeant Donaldson said. "I feel a huge sense of accomplishment becoming a part of this organization and I look forward to contributing my part."

Sergeant Donaldson was stationed in Colorado when he made the decision to apply for the team. The three-month long process was highly competitive, as he had to make the cut on both the Reserve and Regular Air Force sides. After a review of his Enlisted Performance Reports, resume, prior service accomplishments, letters of recommendation, fitness scores and several other materials, Sergeant Donaldson was notified in December 2009 that he had made team.

He relocated to Nellis AFB in February 2010 and began the 21-day orientation soon after. "Las Vegas seems nice, but I haven't had much of a chance to explore yet," Sergeant Donaldson said. The rigorous indoctrination program keeps candidates busy with memorization work, waxing the patch on the hangar floor and brass twice a day, giving museum tours, and meeting three evaluation boards each with 75 questions about the team's history.

The culmination of this process is a patch ceremony. In March, Sergeant Donaldson stood in front of the team of more than 120 personnel where the squadron commander inspected him and once again assessed his dexterity and practical knowledge of the team's history. Sergeant Donaldson passed the test and joined the ranks of the Air Force's premier demonstration team.

"His work ethic is phenomenal; he is always asking what can be done next and how he can help, and learning other tasks outside his primary Air Force Specialty Code," Tech. Sergeant Joel Banks, Thunderbirds assistant section chief, said. "He strives for excellence in everything he performs."

Although he's been a maintainer for almost 10 years, Sergeant Donaldson recognizes the challenge of being a Thunderbird member, and is excited to take it on. "I feel it's the best thing an F-16 crew chief can do. It's the top of our career field," he said.

The team regularly trains December through March, and the show season runs March through November with 73 air show demonstrations across the United States and Canada this year. During a typical show week, team members depart Nellis AFB on a Thursday, set up at the air show base on Friday, fly Saturday and Sunday, and return home on Monday. Now that Sergeant Donaldson is patched, he'll join this road schedule in May.

Sergeant Donaldson is the Thunderbirds' second member to come from the 926th GP. Maj. Sean Gustafson made history when he became the first Reserve pilot ever selected for the team. He joined the squadron in Nov. 2009 and currently holds the Number 4 slot.

"As an integrated partner to the Thunderbirds here at Nellis, we are extremely proud that one of our maintainers has the opportunity to serve on the team," said Chief Master Sergeant David Macerelli, 926th GP maintenance superintendent. "Sergeant Donaldson is a seasoned crew chief and brings sustained expertise to both the Reserve and Regular Air Force."

Sergeant Donaldson is serving a three-year tour on the team as a full-time reservist. "It's a really good experience," he said. "I enjoy the teamwork and camaraderie of the Regular Air Force, Reserve and Guard working together."

Through the Air Force's Total Force Integration initiative, the 926th GP employs part-time and full-time members within RegAF units. These reservists work alongside their RegAF counterparts to provide continuity and experience in accomplishing the mission. In addition to the USAFADS, 926th GP members are integrated throughout the United States Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis AFB and the 432nd Wing Creech Air Force Base, Nev.