Bryan Bennett:

Colonel, United States Air Force (Retired), April 1988; Huntsville Alabama City Schools (Retired). Command Pilot rating with over 4,000 hours flying time including more than 400 hours of combat time and 60 combat missions; have flown 12 different military and civilian jets, including the B-52; two tours of duty flying the FB-111; Two tours of duty in Southeast Asia (Viet Nam, Thailand, Okinawa and Guam); Four tours of duty at The Pentagon, Washington, D.C. (two tours at Headquarters, United States Air Force and two with The Joint Chiefs of Staff); Rated civilian commercial pilot, single & multi-engine, jet, with "instrument" certification. Senior Pilot and First Officer, 727 & DC-9, Eastern Air Lines, Atlanta, Georgia

Education: East Carolina University, B.S. in Social Sciences (Secondary Education); University of North Dakota, M.A. in Public Administration; USAF Squadron Officers School; Air Command & Staff College; Air War College (Seminar); National War College (Residence) plus numerous courses with the United States Air Force, The Department of State, and the Director, Central Intelligence. Senior Research Fellow, National Defense University, Washington, D.C.

Career Highlights: Maintained combat readiness status as a pilot for more than eight years; upgraded to B-52 Aircraft Commander at age 26; selected for Major with less than nine years active duty; Chief, Aircrew Training, FB-111A & KC-135A &Q; responsible to the Director, Plans & Policy (J-5), Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the air defense of NATO Europe; and responsible to The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff for the U.S. Response to the NATO Defense Planning Questionnaire (the commitment of U.S. military forces to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)). Director, Air Force Management Analysis Group on Latin America (AFMAG-LATAM) composed of seven military commands, several intelligence organizations and the Air Forces of 10 Latin American countries. Organized, planned and developed two Aerospace Career Academies ("Charter" schools) for the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania city school system. Founded four high school Key Clubs, two Builders Clubs, and one K-Kids club.

Awards: Hold 23 medals from the Department of Defense and the United States Air Force, including the Defense Superior Service, Defense Distinguished Service, Defense Meritorious Service, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal with two oak Leaf Clusters (for 60 combat missions), the Viet Nam Service medal with three battle stars, and the Republic of Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Recognized as Teacher of the Year, 1995 by the World Congress on Aviation and Space Education for creating two Aerospace Career Academies for inner-city youth in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania public school system. Distinguished President, Alabama District of Kiwanis; Lieutenant Governor Alabama District Kiwanis.

Past and Current Miscellaneous: President, Courtbridge Management Company, Inc. of Arlington, Virginia; Vice President, FedFunds, Inc. of Fairfax, Virginia; President, Tennessee Valley Chapter, Air Force Association; Retired high school teacher; teach student leadership; work drug and alcohol rehab among young parents; train and work GOTV in congressional elections; sponsor State Dept. international visitors

Personal: Three children and four grandchildren; Play trumpet. Enjoy "beach music" and anything played by Louis Armstrong and Harry Connick, Jr.