My story in a nut shell!
I’m a South Carolina native. First enlisted in the US Navy right out of High School in 1977. Got my degree from the University of South Carolina in Liberal Arts in 1984. Started skydiving while going through school. Became an accomplished skydiver and was also a certified Jumpmaster and Instructor. Also learned to fly while a Carolina then began flying jumpers until joining the USAF in 1985. Started AF pilot training and graduated from Columbus AFB in July of 1987.
From B-52s to Airlines
First assignment was flying the mighty B-52G at Blytheville AFB in Arkansas from 1988 to 1991. My follow on assignment was at Seymour Johnson AFG in Goldsboro NC from 1991 until late 1995. I then was assigned a joint tour with the USN down in Pensacola flying, of all things, the T-34C model. Decided to join Northwest Airlines in December of 1997 and flew as an Airline Pilot for the next 23 Years starting off on the DC-9. Spent 5 years as a Flight Engineer on the DC-10. After the tragic events of Sept 11, 2001, I checked out on the Airbus A-320. After flying that airplane for the next 8 years, I transitioned over to the Airbus A-330. Another 8 years went by then Delta, which acquired Northwest in 2008, bought the new Airbus A-350. I was the first line pilot First Officer checked out on the wonderful airplane. When Covid wreaked havoc on the airline industry, Delta offered an early retirement to about 2000 line pilots. I took the early retirement and just like that my airline days were over!
Service to country
Military service after active duty. I took a 3 year break in the Inactive Ready Reserves, IRR, then joined the North Carolina Air National Guard as an Air Liaison Officer in the 118th Air Support Operations Squadron in Stanley County. With that job, I was deployed twice to the Middle East including several months spent in Ramadi Iraq. I have been retired from the NCANG since 2014 achieving the rank of LtCol.
Family matters
Been married to Sandra for over 40 years with 3 grown kids and 5 awesome grandchildren!
It has been an incredible journey so far! The good Lord has truly blessed me with so many gifts that I feel that I am the luckiest guy around! I look forward to the coming years as Sandra and I watch our beautiful Grandkids continue to grow and amaze us with each passing day! My God Bless each of you!
Thanks for taking a look at this website!
