Thunderbird sees the forest for the trees

  • Published
  • By Capt. Elizabeth Kreft
  • U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFPN) --  On any given day, pilots usually prefer to steer clear of trees. One fighter pilot came face to face with an entire forest Aug. 4.

Maj. Nicole Malachowski, the first female pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, visited the International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kan., to receive an honorary plaque and meet with IFOF organizers.

The International Forest of Friendship is a memorial of trees that stands as a living, growing commemoration of aviation accomplishments worldwide. The forest includes trees from all 50 states and 35 countries around the world where it's honorees reside.

It was Major Malachowski's first visit to the forest since her induction into the organization in June.

"I'm absolutely humbled and thankful for this opportunity," Major Malachowski said. "To be recognized alongside aviation greats such as Amelia Earhart, the Wright Brothers and Eileen Collins; it's truly overwhelming and I just hope this will help show other young men and women that their dreams of flight are possible."

Forest honorees are chosen for their contributions to all facets of aviation and aerospace. Major Malachowski was recognized alongside fellow pilots such as Charles Lindbergh, Chuck Yeager and Jimmy Doolittle. More than 1,200 honorees have been named since 1976.

Dr. Linton Wells, the IFOF co-chairman, described Major Malachowski's induction as particularly meaningful as the organization strives to highlight aviation for a younger generation.

"We hope young aviation enthusiasts will hear stories like Nicole's and realize they too can become involved and help make a world of friendship through flight," he said.

Major Malachowski's aviation dreams began well before her Air Force career took off. By the time she mastered riding her bike around the block, she also set her mind on flying a jet around the sky.

"I just knew I wanted to be a fighter pilot. It didn't matter or even register that it wasn't possible for women at that time," she said. "That desire led me to where I am today. I'm a proud Air Force officer and pilot who had the chance to do something great and give back to my fellow servicemembers, as well as the communities who support us."

"Her story of resolve is a unique one," Dr. Wells said. "She was determined to be a fighter pilot, and she saw her dream through to the end. That is what we want to show kids of today; aviation makes many things possible."

Major Malachowski is currently serving in her second year as Thunderbird No. 3, flying the right wing position in the diamond formation. She has logged more than 1,900 hours as a pilot, 1,700 of those in the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon.

"There are so many Airmen who deserve this kind of recognition; my job with the Thunderbirds is to represent them," Major Malachowski said. "I share this honor with all those people who serve with me in defense of our great nation."

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