In The Thunderbird Connection, Steve Austin poses as a clandestine member of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds Jet Demonstration team to save a Prince in a made-up Middle Eastern country that is being overrun by an evil dictator. Geez... sounds a little like today, without the poisonous gas!
Anyway, my friend John Lapointe (Thunderbird #2 during the 1976 and 1977 seasons) is in this episode. This, I guess, would be one of the many perks of being a Thunderbird. I didn't know John at the time of the airing, but he later helped us all produce an air show by managing the jet teams (like VIPs) when they visited our air show each year. What a great resource and God Bless his soul.
This clip is a collection of random scenes including John and the rest of the crew. It looks like three of the five pilots are "real" members, as Steve Austin "covertly" slips into #3 position (with his shaggy 1970's haircut and all). I know "Jinx" and "Fig" Newton (who eventually raised to the rank of General) are the real deal for sure. I'm unsure about the rest. Enjoy this classic!
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