William Coleman Hampton Jr.'s career was inspired by his father, William C. Hampton, who served as a helicopter pilot in the Army. He shared his father's passion for flight and dedication to his country, joining ROTC as an undergrad at the University of Tennessee. He earned an M.B.A. before receiving his commission and heading to Vance Air Force Base for pilot training. His first flying assignment was as an A-10 "Warthog" Thunderbolt II pilot at Myrtle Beach AFB. After an assignment at Bentwaters, England he went to Nellis AFB as an instructor at the USAF Fighter Weapons School. He attended the Army Staff College and went on to serve in the Pentagon. His final assignment was at Andrews AFB conducting counter-narcotics operations. After retirement from the Air Force, he continued his profession in the sky as a pilot on the MD80 and the 737 for American Airlines. Coleman's affinity for flight has defined his career. His family, and his country, are fortunate to have had such a proficient pilot behind the stick.