Having been inspired to fly by the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, I am honored to have my name inscribed on this wall. After graduating from the US Air Force Academy in 1992, I served in the US Air Force from 1993 to 2003. During that time I had the privilege to pilot the Lockheed U-2, the Boeing RC-135, the Northrop T-38, and the Cessna T-37. In addition, some of my most favorite days are spent cloud-chasing in smaller, civilian aircraft.

To the children who walk these halls as I once did, wide-eyed in admiration of these glorious aircraft and destined to become future aviators, be assured the words of Leonardo Da Vinci ring true, "When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will forever long to return".

Godspeed.