Bruins Alumni vs Barnes Charity Hockey Game Sponsorships!
On Saturday March 14, 2026 at 4PM Amelia Park Arena alongside 104th Fighter Wing’s “Barnestormers” Hockey Team, will be hosting the Boston Bruins Alumni Team. This fundraising event will benefit both Amelia Park and Thunderbolt Council, Inc.
For Amelia Park, all sponsorship dollars will be going right back into the facility for ongoing projects, helping them to continue to provide a top tier arena for families at an affordable price. For the Thunderbolt Council, the funds will directly support the morale, welfare and readiness of the Airmen of the 104th Fighter Wing. Funds are used to enhance Wellness Center (MWR) activities, promote professional development opportunities, and sustain community support initiatives. Additionally, contributions help recognize the dedication and achievements of unit members through various awards and appreciation programs, reinforcing a strong, resilient and mission ready force!
Many thanks to our community sponsors – we appreciate the support! Please click on the hyperlink below for more information on this opportunity to support these deserving organizations:
F-15 Memory Book... now reduced prices!!
We've priced the remaining copies to move - get yours before they're all gone!
**IMPORTANT** If you are purchasing your photo book at one of our “Over the Counter” locations (New England Air Museum, Westfield Aviation Museum or The Package Store), and taking a copy at the point of sale, please use the following link to make payment:
A photo book celebrating the 18-year run of the mighty F-15 at the 104th Fighter Wing is now available and we’re taking orders for this collector’s item. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your copy of Eagles Over New England, The History of the F-15 at Barnes, 2007 – 2025! For local pick-up orders, a new, reduced price of $40 is now in effect. We can also ship orders to you for an additional $10 shipping fee.
Here are the details for each purchase option – shipping and local pick-up:
Shipping Option…
For the folks that asked to have the photo book(s) shipped, that process will begin immediately… please allow for standard delivery time (5-7 days) for your purchase to arrive. Our friends at The Package Store in Westfield will be handling shipping of the memory books.
Local Pick-up Option…
Buyers With On-Base Access… your order can be picked-up in the Public Affairs office in building 029, on duty days between 0900-1400 hours. Contact the PA office at ext 698-1054 with any questions.
Buyers Without Access On-Base… please visit our friends at The Package Store, 1029 North Rd Ste 4, Westfield, MA 01085 during normal business hours to pick-up your F-15 Memory Book(s). Many thanks to John Richards and his team for their assistance with this project! Click here for directions: https://maps.app.
**DO NOT USE FOR OVER THE COUNTER PURCHASES – SEE ABOVE** To Place Your Order, Please Choose the Correct Payment Option Below… To help us process your order correctly, please select the appropriate payment link or QR code below based on how you’d like to receive your product:
Local Pickup Orders
If you plan to pick up your order in person, please use the link below or scan this QR code to the right:
Shipping Orders
If you want your memory book shipped to your home address, please use the link below or scan this QR code to the right:
Annual Awards Banquet Celebrates The Best Of The Best For 2025!
Text and photos by 104th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Staff
The 104th Fighter Wing recognized the achievements of its Airmen during its annual Outstanding Airmen of the Year awards banquet at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Saturday, February 7. This marks the second consecutive year the event was held at the museum and the final banquet before the wing transitions from the F-15 to the F-35.
The banquet brought together senior leaders, Airmen, family members and prominent guests to celebrate excellence across the wing. Awards highlighted performance, leadership and dedication demonstrated throughout the previous year. The evening also served as a moment of reflection for the wing as it prepares for a historic transition in both mission and aircraft.
Married couple Senior Master Sgt. Diane Dowd and Senior Master Sgt. Sean Dowd narrated the event, eliciting laughter with their on-point jokes and applause for the sponsors, nominees and award winners.
Distinguished visitors in attendance included Air Component Commander Brig. Gen. Lisa Ahaesy, Massachusetts Air National Guard State Command Chief Master Sgt. Michelle O’Keefe, the command team and other leadership from the 104th Fighter Wing.
As the 104th Fighter Wing prepares for its transition to the F-35, events like the annual awards banquet remain essential for recognizing the dedication of its service members and contributes to the wing’s legacy. The evening served as a celebration of past accomplishments and offered a look ahead into the wing’s future.
*Note – click on an image in the carousel below for a full-sized version
About Us
Our Mission Statement
At the Thunderbolt Council, Inc., our mission is to wholeheartedly support and honor the men and women of the 104th Fighter Wing. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to providing vigorous assistance, resources, and advocacy for the brave individuals serving in this outstanding unit. Through our commitment to their well-being, professional development, and community integration, we strive to create a network that fosters camaraderie, resilience, and success within the 104FW. By honoring their sacrifices and celebrating their accomplishments, we aim to uplift and empower these dedicated servicemembers and their families as they courageously defend our nation.
Council Membership
Gary "maddog" Hagar, lt col (ret)
president
Gary served as a fighter pilot in the USAF for over 20 years, with assignments flying the AT-38 and A-10. After leaving military service, he flew for Southwest Airlines, retiring as a B-737 captain in 2023.
EJ gunning, col (ret)
Treasurer/administrative officer
EJ served in the 104th Fighter Wing, MAANG, for nearly 32 years, retiring in June 2014. During his tenure with the 104th, he held positions as squadron pilot (A-10, C-12), Intel Officer, Logistics Officer, Comm Flt Commander, Comptroller, and Mission Support Group Commander.
jim "comet" halley, col (ret)
member
Jim retired after 34 years of service in the Massachusetts Air National Guard in 2021. Comet served at the 104FW as an A-10 crew chief, A-10 pilot, and as an F-15C pilot. At retirement, he held the position of Director of Operations for the MAANG. He currently flies for Delta Airlines as a A-330 captain.
fred "gumby" liguori, lt col (ret)
member
Fred served in the 104th Fighter Wing for more than 20 years, flying the unit’s A-10 aircraft, and filling numerous leadership positions with the Operations Group. Until his retirement in 2020 (after more than 34 years of service) Fred flew for American Airlines as a Captain and Check Airman on the B-777.
Scott Cardaropoli, cmsgt (ret)
member
Scott’s military career included stints at Lowry AFB, and Tyndall AFB while on active duty before joining the 104FW, where he served for 35 years. He retired in 2024 as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the Component Maintenance Flight within the Maintenance Squadron.
Legal Stuff - IRS Filings, By-Laws, Commonwealth Documents, Etc.
Supported events
Here's a quick look at recent events supported by the Thunderbolt Council (click images for a full screen version):
Halloween 2025…
Wellness Center Pantry…
Trees For Soldiers 2025…
Food Distro 2025…
Children’s Holiday Party 2025…
A great time for kids and adults alike!
