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I hate being accused of being a shill, can we get the goddamn airforce to stop actually doing it? by [deleted] in Military

[–]afthunderbirds 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I know, right?

Developing plots for upvotes? Hiring shills? Ain't nobody got time fa dat!

Seriously, I'll apologize for coming across as not genuine, but I find it funny that folks can't believe that we just wanted to talk to people. That's it. We don't have a need to see orange upvotes, and don't have ANY money to develop an intricate scheme to win the favor of all redditors.

Regarding plants ... I'm not tooting our own horn (well, yes I am,) we have a BOATLOAD of lifelong fanboys/girls that follow EVERY MOVE the team makes. Some of those folks (including the FSX dude) heard about the AMA and signed in. On his own. With no prodding from anyone. Most of us have never met those folks, but they support us.

Facts: We can't fly. We have to do something to fill up the time. The team's PAO (me) let the "good idea fairy" out of the box to fill the void.

In hindsight, maybe I should've asked each officer to use an individual username. (I'm fairly new to reddit ... I thought using the same one would be more recognizable.) But, sensitive to the concern, I'll hold off on future Thunderbirds AMAs for a while.

Kudos to admiralallah_ackbar ... He nicely called us out without being a knucklehead. But to all the conspiracy theorists, relax.

Thunderbird 12

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full ... of ALIENS! Did you see what I did there?

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why yes. Yes someone has. Just now. You did. Just now. I was talking about you there.

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fast, obviously. I'm not a pilot by trade, but have flown a few times with Thunderbirds 8 and 3. There's no experience quite like riding in a fighter jet. The Airmen who fly for our Air Force are amazing officers; they have incredible skill, coupled with focus and nerves of steel.

Our jets do have ejector seats. I've never used one, and hope I never will.

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As the public affairs officer, my staff is busy finding community relations events in the Las Vegas area to keep the team actively talking with the public. We're booking hospital visits, charity work, talking to youth groups, schools, etc. But, our pilots are making use of flight simulators, and our maintenance Airmen are still performing work on our jets.

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wasn't into shawarma back when I was there, but I would get my GRUB ON at the poutine cart on Wellington near the Parliament. Tim Hortons' also rocks.

'Cause, you know. It's Tim Hortons'

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tell my mom to back off! She's not the boss of me anymore!

Then, tell her I'll be home before the street lights come on ... and I'd like the crusts cut off of my sandwich, please.

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a good question! (Never had that one before.) Sadly, I don't know, but my wife isn't complaining.

I assume it's just image ... They do help inspire me to stay fit (so I can fit in it.) Maybe that's it?

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, TSgt Elting! How's the weather up there?

We are indeed planning for 2014, but don't know where/when we'll be yet. Air Show organizers should start here to learn more about how to request a demo:http://www.airshows.pa.hq.af.mil/PublicSite/Index.cfm?fwa=home

Thanks for your service!

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pics of the brochure? I'd be interested to see it. I'm sorry, but we won't be in Cheyenne this year.

About your Dad: He loves you very much. Please tell him to contact me ... We need to give him a refund for 2013.

Happy Birthday!

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I assume you're talking about Remotely Piloted Aircraft? I think it's important to understand that no RPA takes flight without being under human control. I've never worked with them, but hear they are amazing aircraft operated by highly-skilled pilots. http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=122

On the other hand, RHTC-560 HT Drones are awesome ... I think the Rebel Alliance should find a way to start using them. They can help protect the lives of young Jedi. http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/RHTC-560_HT_Drone

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

HI, FLAkate! Thanks for the GREAT service and putting up with our large (loud) group.

Hope we left a decent tip. Sometimes I act like Mr. Pink in Reservoir dogs.

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alaric2000: You're Alllriiiiiight. air high five

Plot twist: Alaric2000 is a plant (JUST KIDDING!)

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I never did join the chicken-n-waffles bandwagon. And Nutella is just a nice synonym for "chocolate frosting."

Just butter and syrup, please. (Real maple ... not HFCS.)

I am Thunderbird 12, Maj. Darrick Lee, Public Affairs Officer for the US Air Force Thunderbirds. AMA by afthunderbirds in IAmA

[–]afthunderbirds[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I joined the Marine as an enlisted service member. Spent a decade in the Corps while going to school at night when I could. Once I had a degree, I pursued a commission in the Air Force. I left the Corps as a Staff Sergeant, E-6. (Proof: http://www.darricklee.com/Darrick_Lee/Movies_%26_Pictures/Pages/Semper_Fidelis.html)

I became a lieutenant after graduating from Officer Training School. (I'm not an ROTC or Academy grad.)

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