News

Provided courtesy of Messenger Post Newspapers
Gates-Chili Post
July 31, 2008
By Amy Cavalier Messenger Post Staff

Pilot Maj. Chris Austin and Sgt. Erika Vasquez, members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds crew, took a break from the 2008 ESL International Air Show to speak to developmentally disabled adults at Lifetime Assistance in Chili.

The Air Force’s Thunderbirds crew visited developmentally disabled adults.

Chris Austin, a left wingman with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds crew, flew in shows in 29 states and eight countries last year. Among them, the F-16 pilot of 11 years was at the 2008 ESL International Airshow at the Greater Rochester International Airport last weekend.  But before he donned his gear and strapped himself into the $30 million jet that can travel faster than a speeding bullet, he and crew member Erika Vasquez visited Lifetime Assistance and LAICO Industries & Services at 425 Paul Road in Chili on another mission.

They met with about 200 developmentally disabled adults, who took a break from work to ask questions and meet the stars of the air show.

The Lifetime Assistance Foundation was chosen as the recipient to receive a portion of the proceeds from the 2008 air show.

In addition to funding, Lifetime’s clients got some interesting information about the jets from the pilots.

Austin estimated the F-16’s are little over 50 feet long with a 32-foot wingspan.  Over the course of the show, he said, the planes cover 300 miles within a 10-mile circle.

They fly at Mach 2 speed, with the tips of the wings a mere 2 to 3 feet from one other.

While the audience at Lifetime Assistance waved flags and listened in awe of Austin’s experiences, Austin turned the tables and told the developmentally disabled adults that they actually are an inspiration to him.

“I want to thank you for all the courage you guys have”, he said. “I want to thank you so much because you are an inspiration to me. You may be waving the flag, and I may be the one talking, but I can assure you the courage you guys have every day inspires me.  Thank you so much for being brave, for being strong, and for being great people.”

This year, the U.S. Thunderbirds are scheduled to fly more than 70 air demonstrations in 30-plus states and Ganada. That makes their visit to Lifetime very special, said Lifetime Assistance, President and CEO James Branciforte.  “Lifetime Assistance’s visit by pilot Maj. Chris Austin and Sgt. Erika Vasquez is an honor for us,” he said. “Their visit has been anticipated with excitement by individuals in our services and we are thrilled.”

Austin told his audience that he’s always wanted to be a pilot, and encouraged them to follow their dreams.  “I think we all have dreams in our hearts, we’re all built a certain way," he said.  “For me, when I was a really young kid, one of my dreams was to fly.  So I worked hard, I pursued it and I got lucky.  What I realized by having that dream of flying, there’s a lot of other things I like in life even more, and that’s meeting people like you.”

Contact Amy Cavalier at (585) 394-0770 ext. 243, or at acavalier@messenger-postmedia.com.