I grew up on small farm in Northern Michigan dreaming of becoming a pilot while watching aircraft far overhead. I achieved my dream by attended Michigan State University and obtaining a commission ...view moreI grew up on small farm in Northern Michigan dreaming of becoming a pilot while watching aircraft far overhead. I achieved my dream by attended Michigan State University and obtaining a commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC program. I'm a Vietnam veteran and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross while flying short field supply missions in the C-7 Caribou in support of the Army. In the Air Force, I flew the C-141, the T29/C131, the C-7, and the C9. Most of my time was in the C9 flying air evac missions throughout the United States and Europe.
In 1975, I earned a master's degree in counseling from Southern Illinois University. I retired from the Air Force in 1985, after a twenty year career. I began a new career with the airlines hired by Pacific Southwest Airlines and flew 17 years before retiring as an Airbus 319/320/321 Captain from US Airways in 2002. While with the airlines, I flew the DC9, MD80, Boeing 727, Boeing 757/767, Fokker 100, and the Airbus 319/320/321.
I have logged over 18,000 hours in a variety of aircraft flying missions around the world. Currently I am serving as pastor of a small Community of Christ church in Boyne City, Michigan. I have a wife, Sandi, and three children, Jerry, Jon and Corey and several grandchildren.view less