Bettendorf Native Joins Show Team For Air Force Thunderbirds

Samuel "RaZZ" Larson has flown the Quad Cities Air Show the past two shows, showing off what one of the most advanced fighter jets ever built could do, in front of 10 million specators each year throughout his demo tours.

His roots are tied deeply to the Quad Cities and the Quad City Air Show because he grew up in Davenport, and graduated from Bettendorf High School.

It was announced a year ago that he'd be joining the Thunderbirds team, now he's hitting the tour circuit, flying in shows with the team.

Now, he'll be behind the demonstrations of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, helping in air shows around the world with some of the best pilots the US Air Force has to offer as Thunderbird #8.

An announcement from the Air Force Thunderbirds shows RaZZ will be representing the team as the Director of Operations in their 2026 season, as well as flying in shows.

You'll be able to catch RaZZ in the air with the team at the Chicago Air Show.

Way to go RaZZ!