A veteran fighter pilot, Colonel Faber flew combat missions in World War II, Korea, and Southeast Asia, amassing over 6,000 flying hours in over 30 types of aircraft, from the Boeing Stearman to the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. His U.S. Air Force career included an exchange tour with the U.S. Navy, during which time he became carrier qualified.