James Speicher entered the US Army in January 1974. After completing Basic and Advanced training, he volunteered for the Rangers and later graduated Airborne, Ranger, Pathfinder and Jumpmaster schools. He was assigned to a Ranger Company at Ft. Benning, GA in 1974 as a Light Weapons Infantry Sergeant. Upon finishing that tour, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, Ft. Campbell KY where he completed the Air Assault course and served as an Infantry NCO. As a member of the 101st Airborne Parachute Team, James worked closely with many Army Aviators at Ft. Campbell that supported the team. Impressed with their professionalism and flying abilities, James applied for flight training in 1978. He began the Warrant Officer Rotary Wing Aviator Course in January 1979, Class 79-29 and graduated in January 1980 as an honor graduate. He was also selected by the Association of the United States Army to receive their Leadership Award. Immediately following flight school, James entered advanced aircraft training and transitioned into the AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter. James later completed various assignments as an Attack Helicopter pilot in the US, Europe, and Central America. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1994. His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2), the Army Achievement Medal (2), and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2).