Page 7 - Davis-Monthan AFB Desert Lightning News April 2023

ero’
Feature
H
Hero” is an average citizen who positively impacts their com- born and raised, Brett Becko is a selfless individual who fo- homeless and underprivileged veterans get back on their feet. dedication to helping others, Becko was selected as Tucson’s o” by the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the
after a nomination was sent in by his uncle, Marty Dains. mination, Becko was given the opportunity to participate in g Falcon orientation flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base,
24, 2023.
ut the health and well-being of veterans who are not under-
ed by society,” said Dains. “He helps provide them the same live and enjoy the freedom they have made sacrifices for,
Army veteran, completed multiple tours in Afghanistan and time in service, he developed post-traumatic stress disorder, how to cope with it over the years.
0C Thunderbolt IIs hold a special place in Becko’s heart, as return home safely to family and friends. The opportunity 6 was his dream come true, and the Thunderbirds’ way to
onor him for his model approach in life.
es aided him in securing the role of peer support specialist
ans Affairs Medical Center, where he draws from his past ect with other veterans going through similar circumstances. ed Becko as someone who never holds back from helping whether it be by providing meals or recommending shelters
t three years [in] Iraq and Afghanistan, the majority of which trol bases or outposts,” said Becko. “To be someone who has und and in trouble, I can’t describe what this means to me
een through and what I’ve dealt with.”
ly checks in with over 100 homeless veterans to provide the
y need.
birds thanked Becko for his time in service and continued serving local veterans.
April 2023 Facebook.com/DesertLightningNews
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Story and photos by Staff Sgt. KriStine Legate
355th Wing Public Affairs
355th Wing’s nominated “Hometown Hero,” Brett Becko, prepares to disembark an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the Air Force’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the “Thunderbirds,” after his orientation flight at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 24, 2023. The Thunderbirds offered Brett the opportunity to participate in an orientation flight to recognize and thank the southern Arizona resident for his contributions to the community while in Tucson for the 2023 Thunder and Lightning Over Arizona Air Show.
355th Wing’s nominated “Hometown Hero,” Brett Becko poses for a photo with his family next to an F-16 Fighting Fal- con assigned to the Air Force’s Flight Demonstra- tion Squadron, the “Thunder- birds,” with his family after his orientation flight at Davis- Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 24, 2023.