Col Higgins's United States Air Force career spanned from 1960 as an Airman Basic to his retirement in 1992 as a Colonel. His assignments included tours as a T-38 Instructor Pilot, C-130 Instructor, Safety and Aircraft Accident Investigation Officer, Operations Officer supporting the Limited Test Ban Treaty, Security Police Group Commander, Vice-Wing Commander, and Provisional Wing Commander of an Airlift Wing. After retirement he held the position of check airman in the B-727 for Express.Net Airlines, a domestic, Part 121, cargo airline. He has flown over 20 types of aircraft and performed several aircraft accident investigations. Col and Mrs. Higgins have performed as a team during three overseas and numerous domestic assignments.