Ben's Bells Founder Selected as Thunderbirds 'Hometown Hero' Flight Recipient

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  • By 040414
Today, with the help of the Morning Mix crew from MixFM, base personnel surprised Jeannette Maré, founder and Executive Director of Ben's Bells, with the news that she has been selected as the recipient of a 'Hometown Hero' orientation flight with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

The orientation flight will occur April 11 as part of pre-Open House activities at the base. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is hosting its 'Thunder and Lightning over Arizona' Open House April 12-13.

Maré will receive the unique experience of flying in the back seat of a Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon jet while the pilot demonstrates the handling and speed of the aircraft.

The opportunity is provided by the Thunderbirds to highlight an individual from Pima County who has significantly given of themselves to better the local community.

Maré was nominated by Martha Damek, a school counselor at Borman and Soleng Tom elementary schools. Both schools are Kind Campuses, participating in the Ben's Bells Kindness Education Program.

The mission of Ben's Bells is to inspire, educate and motivate people to realize the impact of intentional kindness and to practice kindness towards one another, thereby strengthening themselves, their relationships and their communities.

Maré has dedicated herself to promoting 'Acts of Kindness' and cultivating kindness in the Tucson community, and beyond, in memory of her beloved son Ben who died suddenly in 2002.

Media interested in covering the 'Hometown Hero' Thunderbirds flight must RSVP to the 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 228-3406 or email 355WGPA@us.af.mil by April 10.
Showtime at the Swan Gate will be 9:45 a.m. Friday, April 11.