Lt. Col. William (Bill) C. Standish joined the U.S. Air Force in September 1968. In 1972, at the age of 25, he became one of the youngest captains on the KC-135. He flew many missions in this aircraft over Vietnam, and at home, in support of the Strategic Air Command mission of nuclear deterrence. During his 26-year career in the Air Force, in addition to being a type-rated Captain of the B-707, Lt. Col. Standish was an Air Operations Officer with the U.S.A.F Reserves fulfilling assignments to PACOM, SOUTHCOM, and USACOM. He also served as a Liaison Officer for the US Air Force Academy. He retired from military service in December 1995.

Lt. Col. Standish had a distinguished aviation career in the public sector. He piloted the Canadair CL-44 and the Mitsubishi MU-2 for Blue Bell, Inc. in Greensboro, NC. He flew as a Flight Engineer, First Officer and Captain for Ozark Air Lines, Trans World Airlines (TWA) and American Airlines. He captained the DC-9, MD-80 and the B-717. In addition, Captain Standish served as Pilot Check Airman on the B-717 and as Flight Engineer Check Airman on the B-727. He was a type-rated First Officer of the B-767 and the B-757.

After his airline career was over at age 60, he continued in aviation with the U.S. Marshals Service as captain on the B-737 and MD-80 until his final retirement in 2013 at age 66.

In over 43 years of flying service, William Standish has embraced all types of flying: military, corporate, commercial, and public use. He has accumulated over 27,000 hours of accident-free pilot time. In addition to these accomplishments, through his steadfast work ethic, patient demeanor, and team spirit, he has been a great role model for his family and fellow employees. His patriotism and dedication to aviation are an inspiration to those who know him.