Wing commander coins Wings of Blue members Published Oct. 18, 2010 By Senior Airman Danielle Campbel Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The National Anthem played as one of the Wings of Blue parachuting team cadets from the Flying Training Squadron drifted through the air with the American Flag during the opening act of the 2010 Wings Over Atlanta air show here Oct. 17. "I am the luckiest guy alive," Ryan Fantasia said, just moments after he landed from thousands of miles in the air. He and other members from the team were greeted by Col. Timothy E. Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing Commander and Chief Master Sgt. John Anderson, Command Chief of the 94AW. Colonel Tarchick shook each of their hands firmly as he presented them with a symbolic coin. The mission of the Wings of Blue FTS from the Air Force Academy is to provide parachute training to Reserve Officer Training Course cadets. The program also fulfills the purpose of character building and to promote public relations. "We emphasize education first," said Master Sgt. Rick McClure, a jumpmaster instructor. "They must maintain high academic and military standards to remain with the team." McClure explained the dedication of the cadets. "These college students give up all of their holidays and free time to commit three years to the team," he said. "They barely get to go home," McClure said. "Their families have to come to them for a visit." The cadets recognize that their time is not in vain. They travel local, national and international communities and impact thousands with their skill. "You are an inspiration to other young people," said Chief Anderson. "Many of them want to do what you do." More than 100,000 onlookers gave a thunderous applause as Fantasia and his team left the flight line carrying the American Flag.
