Thunderbirds make wishes fly high Published May 21, 2010 By 2nd Lt. Chase P. McFarland 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, ND -- Make-A-Wish of North Dakota visited Grand Forks Air Force Base for a unique opportunity to meet the Thunderbirds and watch a special air demonstration May 21. Kids and families of the Make-A-Wish North Dakota chapter got to "chat it up" and get autographs with the Thunderbird officers after they watched the Thunderbirds air demonstration practice. "This was really great," said Rod Reamy, Make-A-Wish of North Dakota board member. "They really brighten up when they can be a part of such a wonderful event." When they first arrived on base the kids and families got to practice flying around Hawaii in the bases KC-135 Tanker simulator, the same sim used by base pilots. During the show the kids were full of "oohs" and "aahhs" while they watched the breath taking criss-crossing, spiraling, looping and mirroring belly-to-belly flying maneuvers of the Thunderbird solo routine. "The Thunderbirds were just amazing!" said Mr. Reamy. "It was really enjoyable to see the smiles on the kids faces as they watched the show and interacted with the team." The kids and families also had the opportunity to meet the United States Special Operations Command Parachute Team, the Para-Commandos. The Para-Commandos are the only Joint military parachute demonstration team, which includes jumpers from all branches of the military. The Thunderbirds and Para-Commandos, along with many other military and civilian air demonstrations, will be performing at the Grand Forks Air Force Base's Thunder Over the Red River Air Show May 22. Gates open at 9 a.m. and entrance is free to the public.