Richard A. Searfoss has demonstrated a life long commitment to aviation and space exploration. Searfoss graduated number one in his class at the Air Force Academy and went on to achieve his childhood dream of becoming an Astronaut in 1991. In addition to logging 939 hours in space on three shuttle missions, to include his role as Commander of STS-90 Neurolab, he has logged more than 5,000 hours flying in over 56 different aircraft.

Following his retirement from the Air Force and NASA, Searfoss has continued to play an active role in aviation and space exploration. He served as the Chief Judge for the Ansari X-Prize, is an instructor pilot at the National Test Pilot School and serves as one of two test pilots qualified to fly the XCOR Aerospace EZ-Rocket. He shares his passion of his many experiences as a leading motivational speaker, using aviation and space exploration to teach leadership, team building, innovation and personal excellence.

Richard has achieved many special honors:
* Awarded the Harmon, Fairchild, Price and Tober Awards (top overall, academic, engineering, and aeronautical engineering graduate), United States Air Force Academy Class of 1978.
* Air Force Aero Propulsion Laboratory Excellence in Turbine Engine Design award.
* USAF Squadron Officer's School Commandant's Trophy as top graduate. Distinguished graduate, USAF Fighter Weapons School.
* Named the Tactical Air Command F-111 Instructor Pilot of the Year, 1985.
* Recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, NASA Spaceflight Medal (3), NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, and Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross.