GARY | Maj. Samantha "Combo" Weeks tells a story by spiraling a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jet.
The New York native said all of the 65 to 70 shows she and the other elite pilots perform in every year are a tribute to comrades overseas.
"We're here to tell that story," said Weeks, who is a lead solo pilot in her second year with the aerial demonstration squadron. "We tell what they are doing, the pride, precision and professionalism of the Air Force military."
The Thunderbirds will commemorate -- not celebrate -- its 55th anniversary this weekend by arcing through the region's skies in Gary's ninth annual South Shore Air Show.
Sgt. Russ Martin emphasized the distinction Wednesday in an interview with The Times.
"When we're in a time of war, we don't celebrate," Martin said.
The Thunderbirds will perform 45-minute to hourlong shows Saturday and Sunday.
Martin said it costs about $6,000 for the squadron's lodging and gas for the flight. He said its performances haven't been altered or inhibited -- yet -- by spiking gas prices.
"We don't know what the future will hold," he said. "Every dollar we spend, every gallon we spend, is used to the fullest."
The Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau hopes the Thunderbirds, which is always a crowd favorite, will encourage turnout at the annual event. The bureau expects about 500,000 people this year, said Speros Batistatos, bureau president and CEO.
Maj. Tyrone "Tonka" Douglas, who is in his first season with the Thunderbirds, said he represents the hope of young minorities.
The 34-year-old Kansas City, Mo., native is the first black solo pilot on the team.
"I want to show youth minorities that there are different avenues, paths to success," he said. "Some think about being doctors, lawyers, but most don't think about becoming a pilot."
Douglas said he grew up near an airport and was enamored with flying at a very young age.
Weeks, who is the Thunderbirds' first female solo pilot, said she was struck at 6 years old by an "awe-inspiring" flight across the ocean with her father.
Weeks flies in position five, which has the most inverted passes. The number five is upside down both on the plane and her crisp blue uniform. Weeks' passion for flight and energetic personality earned her the nickname "Combo."
"There's no better combination of sass and determination," she said with a laugh.
