A once in a lifetime flight

The former Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran and experienced law enforcement officer will never forget what took place on Thursday evening. For a man that has seen a little bit of everything during his careers, both good and bad, that night registers as good as it gets. “That was an amazing experience and a lot of fun,” said Houston County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeremy Mashuga of his time in an F-16 Thunderbird as a part of an honor flight prior to the annual Thunder Over Georgia air show. “It was something I won’t forget for the rest of my life.”

Mashuga was invited to participate in the flight and he jumped at the chance to take it. “I always wanted to be a pilot growing up, so that experience was something that will stick with me forever.” 

The Minnesota native who has also lived overseas, in Texas, Tennessee and now in Houston County, dreamed of flying when he was a kid. “I don’t sound like I am from here or from there either now,” laughed Mashuga. He got his opportunity Thursday evening. “I got a call from the [Robins Air Force Base] in July inviting me to participate,” said Mashuga, by cell phone Friday morning. A 10-year U.S Army veteran, Mashuga was shot while on duty with the Centerville Police Department last year and is “back to 100 percent,” he said. “I’m good, a little minor pain here and there but nothing major.”

Thunder Over Georgia air show will take place this weekend at Robins Air Force Base and will feature the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. 

“This was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget,” added Mashuga.