Open house reunites Thunderbird member with family

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Abigail Klein
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  While more than 20 aerial demonstrations flew above the crowds of McConnell's 2010 Open House and Air Show, there was another demonstration that took place within the crowd.

Tech. Sgt. Cameron Camacho, U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron radio frequency transmission systems maintenance craftsmen, a Wichita, Kan., native was reunited with his grandfather, Gerald Camacho, WWII U.S. Army Air Corps veteran. Sergeant Camacho's grandfather was one of 140 WWII veterans honored during a WWII veteran ceremony that helped kick off the open house.

This was Mr. Camacho's first time watching the Thunderbirds and it just so happens that his grandson is now a member of the team. It was also their first time seeing one another in more than three years.

Sergeant Camacho, who joined the Thunderbirds in June, and was stationed at McConnell from 1999 to 2001, was excited at the prospect of participating in the Open House, not only because he loves his job, but also because his grandfather, as well as other members of his family, would be there.

"To come back to my hometown and perform for them, it's wonderful," he said. "Both of my grandparents and two of my uncles were involved in the Air Force, and I am proud to carry on that tradition."

As a radio frequency transmission systems maintenance craftsman, Sergeant Camacho is in charge of the sound and video production for the Thunderbirds.

When asked about his grandson's service, Mr. Camacho, an aircraft mechanic in the Army Air Corps during WWII, beamed with pride for his grandson, and for the WWII veteran ceremony that preceded the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration.

"It was really nice to see everyone because we all have a kind of understanding," Mr. Camacho said. "They did a good job of recognizing each one of us."

The Camacho's visit lasted until a couple of hours before the Thunderbirds performed. Sergeant Camacho and the Thunderbird's next performance will be held in Salina, Calif.

For more information about how to join the Thunderbirds, call the USAF Thunderbirds, Public Affairs office at DSN 682-6776, commercial at (702) 652-6776 or e-mail USAF.Thunderbirds@nellis.af.mil.