Luke captain to fly with Thunderbirds

  • Published
  • By Deborah Silliman Wolfe
  • Thunderbolt staff writer
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  One of Luke Air Force Base's own, Capt. Aaron Jelinek, 56th Operations Group evaluator pilot and supervisor of flying program manager, has been chosen to fly with the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. They are based out of Nellis AFB, Nev. 

"I am honored and humbled to be selected to represent our American Airmen," said Captain Jelinek. "I'm blessed to be provided this opportunity and hope to do my best representing the qualities of the great Airmen serving today." 

Captain Jelinek was commissioned into the Air Force in 2001 after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. He began flying in 2002, which has been a dream of his since high school. 

"Honestly, I joined the Air Force to become a fighter pilot," he said. "That's all that was on my mind when I graduated high school. I had no idea about all the Air Force had to offer until after I joined." 

The process of applying to the Thunderbirds began six months ago when Captain Jelinek submitted an application containing a personal statement, letters of recommendation, performance reports, a resume and flying record. After the applications were reviewed, ten semi-finalists were selected and introduced to the mission of the Thunderbirds by traveling to an air show to interview for the team. About a month later, five finalists were selected for a final interview and a flight with the team. Out of the five finalists, three were selected, and Captain Jelinek was chosen to take over the position of opposing solo, Thunderbird No. 6. 

"Each year many great Airmen apply to serve with the Thunderbirds," said Lt. Col. Greg Thomas, Thunderbird squadron commander, leader and Thunderbird No. 1. "We select the most qualified individuals to join the team based on their overall capabilities and ability to represent all Airmen." 

Captain Jelinek said what he is looking forward to most flying with the Thunderbirds is having the opportunity to educate the public. He also said that Luke has provided him several opportunities to get involved in the community and working with the most talented instructor pilots and maintainers in the Air Force here has helped him improve as an instructor pilot and officer. 

"I am extremely happy for Captain Jelinek," said Col. Pete Schaub, 56th Operations Group commander. "The selection process for the Thunderbirds is an intense one, and to have been chosen to become part of their team is quite an accomplishment. I have no doubts that he will succeed in all his endeavors and will represent our Air Force to the highest levels throughout his tour as T-Bird 6." 

When Captain Jelinek heads to Nellis in September, he will serve with the Thunderbirds for two air show seasons.