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The USAF Thunderbirds Alumni Association Active duty Thunderbirds founded the Thunderbirds Alumni Association in 1975. Up to that time the organization's biennial reunion was run by the Team itself, and several defense contractors donated small premiums to the effort. The Team was concerned that it might be in violation of Air Force regulations by using active-duty personnel to coordinate with defense contractors, even though they held the events in civilian locations off-base. As a result, Major Chris Patterakis, Commander/Leader, floated the idea that an organization other than the Team should run the reunions. It was a very busy year, and the idea languished. In October 1975, a confluence of events not associated with the Team provided the impetus for the establishment of such an organization. After consulting with Capt. Bob Gore, his information officer, Major Patterakis ordered the formation of an alumni association and gave Captain Gore the responsibility of pursuing the task. Captain Matt Mattingley, the Team's executive officer, withdrew monies from a fund that the Team officers maintained in order to write a check to the Nevada Secretary of State. Attached to the check was an application for incorporation and bylaws hastily written by Gore and Mattingly using those of the Mormon Genealogy Society as a guide. The Thunderbirds Alumni Association (TBAA) was in business. Board of Directors Steve Andersen, Chairman, Commander/Leader, 1994-95 Brian Bishop, Vice Chairman, Commander/Leader, 1998-99 Mary Kochel, Secretary Dave Branks, Treasurer, 1978-80 Jack Brown, Director, 1975-77 Steve Chealander, Director, Narrator, Left Wing, 1982-85 Jim Curry, Director, 1955-57, 1968-71 Jason Haag, Director, 1999-2002 Mary Kochel, Director, 1998-2002 Brock McMahon, Director, 1974-82 Gail "Scar" Scarbrough, Director, Solo 1978-79 Matt Modleski, Director 
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