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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mary Anne Jimenez

Daniel "Mitch" Jimenez was born June 10th, 1953 in Fullerton, California. In 1975 he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education where he was commissioned a USAF 2nd Lieutenant and AFROTC Distinguished Graduate from the university of Arizona. In addition, he has earned Masters degrees from Embry Riddle University in Aeronautical Sciences and Information Systems from Golden Gate University. he has also completed USAF Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, and in residence, the US Army Command and General Staff College.

During his 20 year distinguished USAF career, Mitch has held positions as squadron, wing and major command levels. His positions included Instructor pilot and academic instructor in the F-111F and f-4G Wild Weasel, squadron chief of training, Jump qualified Air Liaison Officer (ALO), Supervisor of Flying, Flight Commander, Operations Officer, CVI and Director of Tactical Evaluations HQ 5ATAF, Vicenza Italy.

Among the planes he has flown in the military include T-37, T-38, F-111D, E, F and the F-4D,E,G. His state side assignments took him to Mississippi,
New Mexico, California, Colorado and Kansas. Overseas assignments included RAF Lakenheath UK, Spangdahlem AB FRG, Caserma Ederle and HQ 5ATAF Vicenza Italy. Lt. Col. Jimenez commanded two combat units. Detachment 4 Air Support Group (ASOG) Ft Carson Colorado and the 27th Operations Support Squadron (OSS), Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

With more than 2600 hours of military flying time and 45 military parachute jumps Lt. Col. Daniel "Mitch" Jimenez completed his distinguished military career in Sept 1996. His military decorations include Command Pilot Wings, Basic Parachute Badge, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters. Three Air Force Commendations Medals and Air Force, Army and Joint Service Achievement medals.

For the past 22 years Mitch has been a Boeing 737 Captain with Southwest Airlines. On June 9th, 2018 he will complete his airline career with over 21000 hours of accident free flying. He continues his love of flying with completing an 8 1/2 year project, a RV-8a home built aircraft. He is also a civilian flight and simulator instructor. In addition, he has completed 8 marathons and 22 triathlons. He is married to the former Mary Anne Shelley of Clovis New Mexico, they have three sons David, Daniel and Nicholas.