TUCSON, Ariz. — The Thunderbirds are preparing for the Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona Air Show at Davis Monthan this weekend. The Air Show is a homecoming for one of the Thunderbirds.
It's a spectacular sight -- America's Ambassadors in Blue.
Maj. Jason Markzon, a Tucson native, flies Thunderbird 8.
Spectators won't see him flying in the headlining show, but they will hear his voice. He's the team advance pilot and narrator.
"I'll be narrating all of the demonstration maneuvers, and also bringing some of the music in that keeps the air show exciting," Maj. Markzon said.
RELATED: Everything you need to know about the Davis-Monthan Air Show
Maj. Markzon is in his first season with the elite team. His job is to coordinate last-minute logistics with air show organizers, making sure everything is in place, come show time.
Growing up in Tucson, Maj. Markzon says he was mesmerized with the stars in the sky. He was interested in becoming an Air Force pilot, and ultimately, an astronaut. But after 9/11 happened, he says that was a patriotic boost, and more motivation, to join the Air Force.
Maj. Markzon says he's been working toward joining the Thunderbirds for the past few years. He's logged more than 1900 flight hours and previously served as an F-16 flight evaluator and maintenance operations flight commander.
He says earning a spot on the team is his way of giving back to those who supported him along the way.
