A Thunderbird thank you

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii ? Lt. Col. Derek Routt, Thunderbird #7 Operations Officer, gives an American flag to Janlyn Aliviado, 7-years-old, a dance student at Halau Hula Olana under the direction of Kumu Hula Olana upon arrival to Hickam Sept. 16. The children performed a traditional hula dance and presented the Thunderbirds with leis welcoming them to the island Sept. 16. The lei in the Hawaiian culture symbolizes many things, to include welcome and affection for the person receiving it. In 1975, Howard and Olana A`i established Halau Hula Olana, the School of Living Hula, where hundreds of children ages 6-13 have been instructed by Olana and her family. The halau frequently performs in Hawai`i, and has danced in Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, and across the United States. The flag rode in the cockpit of Colonel Routt Falcon from California. (U.S Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Mike Meares)