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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Adam Letizio

Major Dan Heeter enlisted in the Air Force on 5 March 1980 and started training as a Tactical Air Launched Missile Systems Technician getting his first assignment to George Air Force Base, California. He continued his missile technical career at Kunsan AB, Korea and Williams AFB, AZ.
In 1984, he separated from the Air Force and attended Park College in Parkville, Missouri, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management. He subsequently was selected for Officers' Training School and became a Distinguished Graduate in March 1985.
His first assignment as an officer was with the 71st Tactical Control Squadron on the sandy shores of MacDill AFB, FL. His accomplishments were acknowledged with his selection to attend US Air Force Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB, NV. There he earned the prestigious Outstanding Graduate Award as well as the Controller Award.
A newly minted "Weapons and Tactics" Officer, he headed for the Great White North of Alaska, arriving at Elmendorf Air Force Base in July 1989 and assigned to the 744th Air Defense Squadron (aka 611 ACS). He ascended the ranks to become the Chief of ROCC Training, and was in charge of Group Plans and Tactics.
In July 1993, his next assignment took him to Geilenkirchen Air Base, Germany as part of the NATO AWACS unit. While there, he was the Squadron Weapons Officer, Chief of Exercises and Contingency Operations, and flew over 2,000 hours supporting multiple contingency operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
In July 1997, he again landed an assignment to Elmendorf AFB in the 611th Combat Operations Flight, Weapons and Tactics shop. He participated in numerous NORAD exercises and real world alert operations. The NORAD inspection team selected him as an outstanding performer during their 1999 evaluation. He deployed to Panama in support of counter-drug operations there. He also worked diligently to coordinate support for the AWACS to participate in the World Famous Oshkosh Air Show.
Major Heeter has flown 2,498 hours in the E-3B AWACS as a Senior Director and his awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, and six Aerial Achievement Medals.
Major Heeter retired after 20 years of service to the United States Air Force in June of 2000. He happily works now as an Air Force Junior ROTC Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Salem High School in Salem, New Hampshire where he continues to serve by enriching the lives of others, and providing students with a true friend and mentor. Major Heeter is also an avid enthusiast of aviation, flying his own plane and keeping current as a Flight Instructor.
Major Heeter resides in Dover, New Hampshire with his wife, Susan, his daughters Maria and Jane and his faithful dog, Max.