MCGREGOR, Texas – (April 6, 2018) In support of Waco Navy Week and the Heart of Texas Airshow, the Navy's flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, visited with students of McGregor High School.
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach.
Navy Lt. Brandon Hempler of Wamego, Kan., and No. 6 pilot said it felt great to be back in Texas.
“We have the privilege of traveling throughout the United States, but Texas holds a special place in my heart,” said Hempler, who was once stationed at Naval Air Station Kingsville as an instructor. “I love the people here and they are very supportive of the military. Our whole mission is hopefully to inspire kids to potentially pursue a career in the military and to go beyond what they capable of doing.”
For Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Tommy Tran, Hempler’s crew chief, this was homecoming.
“It’s absolutely amazing to be near my hometown of Round Rock,” said Tran. “I love being back, and the energy the people have from central Texas is outstanding.”
Tran kept students’ attention throughout the presentation with his enthusiasm and passion for serving in America’s Navy.
“I love talking to students,” said the 2006 graduate of Stony Point High School. “It’s one of my most favorite times of being with the Blue Angels team.”
Seth Fortenberry, principal of McGregor High School, was grateful for the Blue Angels’ visit to his school.
“This was such an incredible opportunity for our students and teachers to hear from the Blue Angels,” said Fortenberry, who’s serving his first year as principal. “To hear not only their background stories, but what students could learn from them.”
Waco Navy Week brings Sailors from different units across the United States to conduct focused outreach events with members of the community. Waco Navy Week is the 2nd of 14 Navy weeks in 2018 that focus a variety of assets, equipment and personnel on a single city for a week-long series of engagements designed to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects.