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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Debra Popelas

Ken Popelas has had a life-long passion for flying. Ken learned to fly as a teenager, earned his private license, owned a plane, and has had a great career as a military aviator. He has dedicated over 27 years to this country as an active duty United States Air Force officer. Ken has predominately flown in the KC135A, but has logged time in the KC135Q/R/E, KC10A, E-3A, T-41, T-37, T-43 airframes, flying to many states and spending time in numerous countries including Germany, England, Italy, Japan, and Greece. He has worked at scheduling, operations, safety and in the Tanker Airlift Control Center. He has been assigned to 8th Air Force, 12th Air Force, Strategic Air Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Headquarters Air Force. He has been stationed at Altus AFB, Barksdale AFB, the Pentagon, Scott AFB and Davis-Monthan AFB. Ken was involved in OPERATION JUST CAUSE, the invasion of Panama, flying in the AWACS aboard the airborne control center. He worked plans for the medical equipment drop for the Antarctica scientists and ultimately the evacuation of an ill scientist. While stationed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, Ken was the director of operations at the airfield. There he was able to get his daily doses of the great smell of jet fuel as well as engine noise - the "sound of freedom." He has experience behind the controls as well as behind the scenes, making him well versed and quite knowledgeable. He loves every minute.

Ken shares his love of the aviation field by volunteering at the Pima Air and Space museum. He also volunteers his time with the Boy Scouts of America as an Aviation Merit Badge counselor, teaching young men who share his interest in flight.