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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Laura Pickard

Captain John Merritt Pickard was born September 19, 1946 in Marietta, Georgia to Frances Howze Pickard and Colonel Walter Merritt Pickard. John had an adventurous childhood due to his father’s Air Force career and had many experiences overseas; climbing the pyramids in Cairo, touring old tombs in Jerusalem, skiing in the Alps, and more. He and his sister, Martha, spent much of their childhood living abroad in places like Yoxford, England and Ankara, Turkey.

After college, John went on to join the Air Force and he earned his wings in 1971. During his time in the service, John was stationed at Andrews Air force Base where he flew the T-39 and various other aircraft. After his tour at Andrews, John was reassigned to Rhin Main Air Force Base where he flew the C-9 (DC-9) for both air evacuation and VIP transporting, which included diplomats and high-ranking military officers.

John separated from the Air Force after eight and a half years of active duty and moved his family from Germany back to the United States.

On August 14, 1978 John started what was to be a long and satisfying career working as a commercial pilot. He flew for Hughes Air West, Republic, and retired from Northwest (now Delta) on November 24, 2004. During his commercial flying career, John flew the DC-9, 727, and various models of the Airbus.

After retiring, John settled in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina where he enjoys fishing, hunting, reading, and spending time with his children.