Hometown Heroic Dad

  • Published
  • By Christine Cuttita
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force Thunderbirds chose Jason Evans to be the "Hometown Hero" they will fly with them Apr. 8, just two days before the Eglin 2010 Air Show starts.

Melissa Evans nominated her native Pensacola husband who recently volunteered to support adoption facilitation and transportation for 41 orphans at the U.S. Embassy Port de Paix, Haiti. She said he was not only her hero but also the hero of their two adopted children.

"I don't feel like much of a hero, just a dad," said a surprised Evans who was informed of the selection at work March 18 by Col. Bruce McClintock, 96 Air Base Wing commander. "I thought my wife's nomination was a nice gesture. I never thought I'd get to fly a jet fighter; I thought the closest I'd get would be sitting in the cockpit simulator at the Naval Aviation museum in Pensacola."

Evans will receive a one-hour Thunderbird orientation flight in an F-16D, one of the world's premiere fighter jets.

The Hometown Hero program highlights someone from the local area who has given of themselves to better the community. Approximately 20 people responded to February's public announcement.

Colonel McClintock agreed that Evans met the program's goal of highlighting American people doing amazing things in their communities, in line with the amazing efforts put forth by America's Airmen every day. He also described to Evans the high-G rollercoaster experience he'll get next month once he meets medical qualifications to fly.