On Friday, Davis Monthan Air Force base personnel surprised Jeannette Maré, founder and Executive Director of Ben’s Bells, with the news that she has been selected as the recipient of a ‘Hometown Hero’ orientation flight with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
The orientation flight will occur April 11 as part of pre-Open House activities at the base. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is hosting its ‘Thunder and Lightning over Arizona’ Open House April 12-13.
Maré will receive the unique experience of flying in the back seat of a Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon jet while the pilot demonstrates the handling and speed of the aircraft.
According to the Air Force, the opportunity is provided by the Thunderbirds to highlight an individual from Pima County who has significantly given of themselves to better the local community.
Maré was nominated by Martha Damek, a school counselor at Borman and Soleng Tom elementary schools. Maré has dedicated herself to promoting ‘Acts of Kindness’ and cultivating kindness in the Tucson community, and beyond, in memory of her beloved son Ben who died suddenly in 2002.