Toro Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I originally posted this as a response to the New Weapon School Patch thread, but moved it so as to not draw too much from that discussion. I absolutely wish I was joking about this. Wouldn't you like to be a Flamingo too? (Click here for story) Story and photo by Capt. Megan A. Schafer 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Many KMC members may have been puzzled in the last few months by the new phrase used to describe 435th Air Base Wing Airmen – “fighting flamingos.” And though a pink bird may seem like a gentler creature than a wolverine or other mascots used to empower today’s warfighters, it’s the corresponding legacy that makes it a perfect match. “The Flamingo Wing originated in Florida because the 435th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium – our historical wing lineage – originated at the Miami International Airport,” said Jory Vandenburg, 435th ABW historian. “And as many well know, there are lots of flamingos in Florida.” Most Airmen can understand the simple association between flamingos and the heritage from Miami, however wing leadership thought that a visual representation – a mascot – was needed to fully embrace the concept. So a logo contest was initiated, with the bounty of 30-day rights to a colonel parking spot in the KMC. “I wanted a mascot that blended our proud history going back over 60 years and the warrior spirit I see throughout our great wing every day. I think this caricature does this, and will give us our own unique identity and stronger esprit de corps,” said Col. Don Bacon, 435th ABW commander. “This great wing fought at Normandy and the Battle of Bulge, and over 60 years later our Airmen are supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.” Dozens of talented individuals went to task to create a suitable mascot, but only one was selected. “We had nearly 20 great entries and the enthusiasm was awesome. I’m constantly amazed at the talent of our Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. Mitch Stippel, 435th ABW command chief. “I was a little skeptical of the whole pink flamingo thing, however, the winning design is awesome and I’ll show it off proudly.” In the end, it was the drawing provided by Airman 1st Class Zach Gray, 435th Medical Group, that was selected. Also, Michael Sander, 435th Services Squadron graphic artist, helped provide some coloring and touch up to get the flamingo ready for presentation. “We’re already planning coins and shirts,” Chief Stippel said. “I’ve spotted the Fightin’ Flamingo proudly framed on walls around the wing. Beware ... the Fightin’ Flamingo is gaining momentum and taking off.” Though Airmen may not see a flock of flamingo tattoos throughout the KMC, they cannot argue that it provides a unique representation of the wing and its heritage. “Being a member of the 435th ABW makes you a ‘Fightin’ Flamingo’ and part of a very proud tradition that continues today,” Colonel Bacon said. Fightin’ flamingos … swift ’n sure ... and lethal! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herkbum Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 That is freaking gay as hell!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slacker Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 and the hits just keep on coming..... No wonder the other services laugh at us, we make it so easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brickhistory Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Oh my ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brabus Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 (edited) I know whoever came up with this was thinking, "hmm, what was a 'cool' mascot we used back in ROTC...I know, the Foxtrot Flamingos!...wait, I'll make it even more 'combat'...Fighting Flamingos!...O-6, here I come!" UFB Edited January 5, 2009 by brabus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenkspaz Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I about pissed my pants when I read this: ...said Jory Vandenburg, 435th ABW historian. “And as many well know, there are lots of flamingos in Florida.” No sh*t?! Thanks for the update Jeff Corwin... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ol-IEWO Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Looks like an embarrassed vulture to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Fuse Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 (edited) How can we make fun of the Navy now? Edited January 5, 2009 by Fuse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duck Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I think this only goes to show that the AF is really run by crab people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkey Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 "Flaming Flamingos" would've been more fitting. Retards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoleIt Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 :: Checks the date :: Fawk, it's not April 1st... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Fuse Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 GOod lord your avatar.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HerkDerka Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 “I was a little skeptical of the whole pink flamingo thing, however, the winning design is awesome and I’ll show it off proudly.” No more kool-aid for that man. HD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RASH Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 GOod lord your avatar.... Makes me want to start running again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drewpey Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I about pissed my pants when I read this: ...said Jory Vandenburg, 435th ABW historian. “And as many well know, there are lots of flamingos in Florida.” No sh*t?! Thanks for the update Jeff Corwin... you know what else there's a lot of in Miami Florida? well...I guess it could be worse...the flamingo's hand could be in a metal gauntlet, grasping some lightning bolts and an olive branch... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkey Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 (edited) I knew that flamingo reminded me of something... Edited January 6, 2009 by donkey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dontshavemyhead Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Flamingos have hands? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goblin Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 ^ hahahah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bergman Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 At least the flamingo is wearing ABUs....which of course means that the wing will have to change its patch in 3 years when the ABU is phased out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Techsan Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 If I was a Fighting Flamingo, I'd have to kick my own ass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PropWash Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Candid picture of the new mascot promoting esprit de corps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Techsan Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Candid picture of the new mascot promoting esprit de corps Thats disturbing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hacker Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 you know what else there's a lot of in Miami Florida? Caption Contest: 435th Air Base Wing Drunk Sluts 435th Air Base Wing Crazy Coeds 435th Air Base Wing Girls Gone Wild Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abmwaldo Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 (edited) 435th Air Base Wing... Best Place on Earth (only when it contains chicks like that) Edited January 6, 2009 by abmwaldo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ikarus Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Candid picture of the new mascot promoting esprit de corps Ah, Chris Kattan... How you've sunk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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