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Local police officer rides with the Thunderbirds

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Anastasia Wasem
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  A member of the Grand Forks Police Department had the ride of a lifetime May 21 as he flew with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds at Grand Forks Air Force Base.

Corporal Todd Riedinger flew in an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet as part of the Thunderbird's Hometown Heros incentive flight program.

Corporal Riedinger, originally from Bismarck N.D., has been a member of the police department for 13 years. For the past seven years he has served on the bomb squad which responds to regional incidents in upper northeast North Dakota.

"Take any roller coaster you've ever been on and multiply it by a thousand and that was the experience I had," said Corporal Riedinger about the flight.

Upon takeoff, Corporal Riedinger's aircraft reached approximately 500 mph flying straight-up into the air to reach a height of 16,000 feet in 40 seconds, explained Captain Hubbard. The maneuvers that this aircraft can perform are not simply for air show purposes, but also have tactical implications as well.

"It was awesome, we had such a good time," said Captain Hubbard. "We got to fly right over the airfield. We took off, did an unrestricted climb and just showed him everything we do in an air show," she said about the maneuvers Corporal Riedinger experienced.

"I thought it was an awesome experience," said Corporal Riedinger after his flight. "I doubt I'll ever have that experience again."

The Thunderbirds will be highlighting the Thunder Over the Red River Air Show at Grand Forks AFB May 21. Gates open at 9 a.m. and admission is free to the public.