Tessa Hickerson Returns Home with the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team
It begins with a familiar gesture: a shimmy of excitement, a little bounce, and then, Tessa Hickerson running straight into her parents’ arms. It’s a moment that’s always ended with her giving her dad the biggest squeeze. And this week, they’ll get to do it all over again—only this time, Tessa returns not just as their daughter, but as a member of the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team.
For Tessa, Brunswick, Georgia, is more than just another tour stop. It’s where her story started, where she first opened her eyes to the world. “This one feels different,” Tessa says. “I say Raybun is my hometown because it is, but Brunswick was where I first lived as a baby. So being back here with the team… it really brings it all full circle.”
Tessa’s role as an Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) technician places her in the thick of the action, ensuring pilots are safe and equipped to perform daring stunts. But this show is about more than just the jets or gear—it’s about returning to the roots that have shaped her, the people who have always cheered her on from day one.
A Full-Circle Moment
Brunswick holds a special place in Tessa’s heart. As she takes the stage this week with the Air Force’s premier demonstration team, she can’t help but reflect on the significance of coming home. For her parents, Steve and Sheila Patterson, and their longtime family friend, this is more than just a show; it’s a celebration of everything that has come before.
This homecoming isn’t simply about a performance. It’s about a moment of connection and pride. Tessa is returning to the very town where her journey began—the same place where she first trained, competed, and adopted the values that have guided her throughout her life. The most significant of these values? A family rule that’s always been clear: if you start something, you finish it. No quitting, no shortcuts—just a commitment to giving everything you’ve got.
From Athlete to Air Force
Tessa didn’t always have the military in her sights. In fact, her path was initially focused on sports. A standout in track and field and cross-country, she earned scholarships to help her pursue her passion. After completing her degree at the University of North Georgia, Tessa began working in the civilian world. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she found herself furloughed, unsure of where to turn next.
It was during this time of uncertainty that her sister, Taylor Ward, who was already an Air Force First Sergeant, planted the seed for a new path. At first, Tessa didn’t consider the military a natural fit for her. But with everything changing around her, she found herself drawn to the stability and purpose that joining the Air Force could provide.
“It was a big shift for me,” Tessa says, “but as I thought more about it, it felt like the right move. I wanted something that would challenge me and give me a sense of purpose.” And so, Tessa made the decision to join the U.S. Air Force, where she would eventually land a spot with the elite F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team.
The Strength of Family Support
Tessa’s path in the Air Force has been shaped by the unwavering support of her family. Throughout her journey, her parents, Steve and Sheila, have been her biggest champions. From her days as a little girl racing through the sports seasons to now, as a member of one of the most prestigious Air Force teams, their presence has remained constant.
Her return to Brunswick is also a testament to the tight-knit community that helped raise her. “This town helped shape who I am today,” Tessa says. “It’s about the people who’ve been there for me, cheered me on, and supported me when I needed it the most.”
For her parents, seeing their daughter return home as part of the F-22 Raptor team is a moment of great pride. “We’ve always believed in Tessa,” Steve says, “and it’s incredible to see her achieve what she has. To see her do something she’s passionate about, and now to be able to watch her do it here in Brunswick—it’s overwhelming.”
Rising Higher with the F-22 Raptor
Although this week’s performance in Brunswick is a moment of reflection and celebration, it’s also just one chapter in Tessa’s Air Force career. As a key member of the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, Tessa plays a critical role in making sure pilots are ready to take on their high-risk maneuvers. The team’s jaw-dropping aerial displays are the result of an immense amount of teamwork, precision, and behind-the-scenes preparation.
But for Tessa, her career in the Air Force is more than just the thrill of the jets and the adrenaline. It’s about the camaraderie, the bonds she’s forged with fellow Airmen, and the ability to contribute to something greater than herself. “The job I do means everything to me,” she says. “Every part of it is important, from making sure our pilots are safe to supporting my teammates. It’s an honor to be part of such an amazing team.”
For Tessa, there’s still more to accomplish, more to learn, and more challenges to face. But she is confident in her path, knowing that every step she takes is supported by the lessons of her hometown, her family, and her fellow Airmen.
