BREAKING BARRIERS Alumni, like Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. ('95), bring diverse backgrounds and a shared Embry-Riddle heritage to national ...
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THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
FALL/WINTER 2020
BREAKING
BARRIERS
Alumni, like Gen. Charles Q.
Brown Jr. (’95), bring diverse
backgrounds and a shared
Embry-Riddle heritage to
national leadership roles
PAGE 12
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Fall/Winter 2020
10
Volume 16, No. 2
Lift, the alumni magazine of Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University, is published twice
annually (spring/summer and fall/winter)
by the division of Philanthropy & Alumni
Engagement.
“When will you see us?”
Copyright © 2020
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
That was the theme of a silent Florida/Arizona/Worldwide
1 Aerospace Blvd.
protest near the Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL 32114
24
Campus after the killing of George All rights reserved.
6
Floyd. It is a fair question, and Senior Vice President of Philanthropy
& Alumni Engagement
it deserves an answer — from Marc Archambault
institutions and communities, and Executive Director of Alumni Engagement
Bill Thompson (’87)
from each of us as individuals.
PHILANTHROPY & ALUMNI
COMMUNICATIONS
To see the value of every person requires Executive Director of Communications
Anthony Brown
a willingness to take a hard look at yourself. 5 12
Senior Director of Communications/Editor
You then have to be willing to learn and Sara Withrow
12
change, which should be the core values of Assistant Director of Communications
Melanie Stawicki Azam IN OTHER WORDS GIVING TO EMBRY-RIDDLE
any university.
To honor George Floyd, our campuses JoAnne Bass, the first woman to serve as chief
Assistant Director of Digital
Engagement & Philanthropy 5 ‘You’ve Got to Be 22 Scholarship
joined in a virtual memorial. We followed
this up with two “Your Voice Matters” Zoom
master sergeant of the U.S. Air Force. U.S.
Army officer Valdeta Mehanja, a 2013 and 2017
Alan Marcos Pinto Cesar
Alumni Digital Engagement Coordinator
Twice As Good’ Matchup
Cynthia Puckett Keith Baskett (’92) reflects on a Challenge allows family to
TOP LEFT: BRYON MALIK; MIDDLE: U.S. AIR FORCE/ANDY MORATAYA; TOP RIGHT: DREW ENDICOTT; BOTTOM RIGHT: DAVID MASSEY
meetings. Students, staff and faculty shared graduate, completed her training to be a Black
their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
These were candid conversations, not
Hawk helicopter pilot. Featured previously in
Lift, veteran Reamonn Soto, a 2017 graduate,
CONTRIBUTORS
Breaking career path that would not have
been available to his father
double scholarship impact
Barriers
Keith Baskett (‘92)
ALUMNI IN ACTION
speeches, and the emphasis was on listening developed his startup as a student; he is now a Mike Cavaliere, News Manager
to each other. Some personal stories were CEO and tenant in our Research Park in Daytona Michaela Jarvis
WINGS OF LEGACY
24 On the Front Lines
painful to hear. However, I felt encouraged Beach, where he incubated a successful Lauren Johnston Alumni bring diverse 6 Final Flight COVID-19 crisis reveals
by the trust and mutual respect that was business. The Research Park to date has Daryl LaBello, Multimedia Producer backgrounds and a shared Remembering Riddle’s last ride Eagle character
David Massey, Multimedia Producer
consistent across almost four hours, which generated more than $90 million in economic
Kevin Montgomery, Archivist
Embry-Riddle heritage to
means we have a solid foundation to build on. impact in Florida and created 500 jobs. INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE GLOBAL
Ginger Pinholster, Associate Vice President national leadership roles
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has As the world’s leading aviation educator, for News & Research Communications 8 Aviation in the 26 Pivot Point
launched a search for a new senior adviser, a
chief diversity and inclusion officer (CDIO).
we support an industry critical to our
country’s economy and security. We owe EAGLE WRITERS CORPS
Shadow of COVID- 19 Worldwide Campus leverages
Industry experts share how their online expertise to keep students
Tristyn Bemis (‘20)
This new position extends our commitment this industry the best minds and graduates learning during pandemic
Kim Sheeter sectors have fared in the wake of the
to make aviation and aerospace more diverse who are prepared to contribute on day one.
pandemic and predict what’s ahead
and inclusive. We have taken steps in the New leaders will emerge from an enriching GLOBAL
Published by Casual Astronaut CHECK OUT THE
right direction, including recruiting campaigns,
scholarships, mentoring programs and
environment where everyone can succeed
without compromising identity, values or
Managing Editor
Colleen Ringer
LIFT WEBSITE! 10 What’s in a Label? 28 Building a Hedge
awareness-raising channels and events. Our culture. They will be Eagles. Rising to this Creative Director
Read Lift on your Three alumni look ‘inside the box’ Against Headwinds
Marc Oxborrow desktop, tablet or phone. to develop the latest machine Embry-Riddle professors are
new CDIO will help us find new ways to challenge uplifts us all. Art Director lift.erau.edu learning innovations researching a revolutionary
recognize, attract, support and celebrate talent. Felicia Penza
We have cause for celebration. This issue Chief Client Officer risk management solution that
Sincerely, Paul Peterson
of Lift expresses our pride in alumni who are ALUMNI @WORK could help the airlines weather
in the vanguard of aviation and aerospace Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is
an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
20 Legal Eagle economic storms
leadership — including 1995 graduate Gen. P. Barry Butler, Ph.D. Employer and does not discriminate on Constantine Marantidis (‘84)
Charles Q. Brown Jr., the first Black chief of President the basis of race, color, religion, gender, brings an engineer’s perspective
age, national origin, disability, veteran’s
staff of the U.S. Air Force, and 2005 graduate Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University status or sexual orientation. to intellectual property law
Nonprofit identification: 59-0936101.
Have you moved? Send address changes
or unsubscribe requests to:
2 Chatter 4 Feedback 30 Alumni News 34 Class Notes
Embry-Riddle Office of Philanthropy &
Alumni Engagement, 1 Aerospace Blvd., News and notes Embry-Riddle alumni A message from the Find out what your
An online resource to help Daytona Beach, FL 32114 from the world of and friends offer executive director, fellow alumni are
you stay Eagle Strong during Email: erupdate@erau.edu
Embry-Riddle comments and opinions upcoming events and more up to now
the coronavirus pandemic. Visit: alumni.erau.edu/update-my-info
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
ON THE COVER: Alumnus Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. (‘95) was sworn in as U.S. Air Force chief of staff in August. Photo by U.S. Air Force/Eric Dietrich.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
LIFT FA LL/ WI N TER 2020 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 1
NEWS & NOTES
FROM THE WORLD
OF EMBRY-RIDDLE
CH AT TE R
Tapped
to Serve A LT I M E T E R
(CONTINUED)
Four alumni named
to FAA task force
The Embry-Riddle chapter
of the College Panhellenic
Four Embry-Riddle alumni are part of a new
Association (Prescott,
20-member task force charged with developing
Arizona) received the
strategies and processes that will encourage Innovation in Leadership
high school students to explore and pursue award from the international
aviation-related careers. organization.
A LT I M E T E R : Associate Professor Sirish Namilae U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L.
H I G H P O I N T S AT is using various data sources to Chao announced on July 17 the formation of Arizona Business Magazine
simulate how pedestrians move in the Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation named Prescott Campus
E M B R Y- R I D D L E crowds, in an effort to understand
Task Force (YIATF). The following Embry-Riddle Chancellor Anette M. Karlsson
and combat the spread of illness.
The Mori Hosseini Student Eagles are among those who were selected one of the Most Influential
Union at Embry-Riddle’s to serve: Joanne “Jo” Damato (’04), vice Clockwise, from top left: Joanne ‘Jo’ Damato (’04), Women in Arizona Business
Daytona Beach Campus Kasey Herzberg (’06), John Hornibrook (’19) and for 2020.
president of educational strategy and workforce
won the Architizer
Popular Choice Award in
A Mathematical Solution development for the National Business Aviation
Association; Kasey Herzberg (’06), director of
Nancy Shane Hocking (’07).
Daytona Beach Campus
Architecture+Engineering. Women’s Golf Head Coach
NSF grants fund pedestrian movement, engineering for Aircraft Data Fusion; Nancy Shane to pursue aviation programs of study; and identify Maria Lopez (’12) was named
Hocking (’07), manager of Pilot Gateway programs strategies and opportunities for apprenticeships the 2020 LPGA Teaching and
The Federal Aviation disease-spread modeling to fight COVID-19 for JetBlue Airways; and John Hornibrook (’19), and workforce development programs that lead Club Professional (T&CP)
Administration selected Embry-
vice president of flight operations for Horizon Air. to employment. Coach of the Year. This is
H
Riddle to participate in the
Unmanned Aircraft Systems ow people move through a given space with colleagues from the University of West Herzberg, who earned a Master of Aeronautical Damato, a certified aviation manager with the second time she’s been
Collegiate Training Initiative. may offer clues to how infectious Florida, Purdue University and Arizona State Science (MAS) from Embry-Riddle, says she an MAS from Embry-Riddle, says she was that honored with this award.
diseases, like COVID-19, spread. Sirish University, as well as with students from is honored to be a part of the task force that’s “15-year-old highschooler” who was inspired to
The Daytona Beach Campus Namilae, an associate professor of Embry-Riddle. creating a vision to help build the next generation pursue a career in aviation, but her family, teachers
women’s basketball team aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle, The result of their research will be a of aviation leaders. and guidance counselors lacked the resources
was named to the Women’s is refining research he conducted on pedestrian cyberinfrastructure, or software system, useful In addition to her role as director of engineering and information to help her start the journey.
Basketball Coaches
movement — amplifying it with new data and to such decision-makers as civil engineers, at Aircraft Data Fusion, she is executive director “I want to pay it forward,” she says, “to make
Association Academic Top 25.
disease-spread modeling — to help develop aviation workers and public health professionals of the Challenger Learning Center of Minnesota, a the path into the industry clearer, especially for
The squad compiled a 3.671
cumulative GPA in 2019-20. social distancing strategies as the world as they work to design the most efficient social nonprofit that inspires and engages youth in STEM underrepresented groups and individuals.”
confronts the COVID-19 pandemic. distancing guidelines. The modeling could then education. “This is an exciting industry with so — Sara Withrow
The Prescott Campus was “We want to get an aggregate idea of be used to inform policies designed to mitigate many incredible areas of opportunity beyond just
named No. 1 Undergraduate how people are moving,” Namilae says. local outbreaks of infectious diseases. the cockpit. It is imperative that we build a strategy
Aerospace/Aeronautical/
Astronautical Engineering
“For this COVID problem, the research is
even more relevant.”
“[The software] will help determine the best
tactics, for example, in an airport,” Namilae says.
to ensure youth have access to opportunities that
expose and inspire them early on,” Herzberg says.
Embry-Riddle’s Economic Impact in
program for non-doctorate-
degree-awarding institutions
Namilae started researching pedestrian
movement during the 2014 Ebola epidemic in
“How should the security queue be designed?
How should a building be designed?”
Shane Hocking, who also earned an MAS from
Embry-Riddle and holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace
Florida, Arizona Surpasses $2.3 Billion
for the fourth consecutive year
Africa. Last year he was awarded a $600,000 Theme parks are another example of a Sciences from the University of North Dakota, The overall economic impact of Additionally, it found that the
by U.S. News & World Report’s
National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to venue where crowds mix intensely. Additions to agrees. She’s been involved in research on pilot Embry-Riddle in Florida and Arizona earning and spending power of
2021 Best Colleges guidebook.
develop a cyberinfrastructure for this problem. traditional serpentine lines that reduce mixing, sourcing, hiring and performance, and in her role now surpasses $2.3 billion — up Embry-Riddle’s alumni in Florida
Assistant Professor of Physics He was recently awarded another $200,000 such as temporary walls between the lanes of at JetBlue, she oversees programs that help 44% since 2016, the independent and Arizona generated $900 million
and Astronomy L. Matthew NSF RAPID grant, to incorporate new streams customers, can reduce infection rates to 25% prospective pilots make their way to a JetBlue Washington Economics Group (WEG) and $86 million, respectively, in total
Haffner co-authored a report of data — from video footage from worldwide of what they would otherwise be, Namilae flight deck. reported in August. economic activity this year.
on the first-ever measurement public-domain webcams, as well as from says. Single-file lines represent an even more “I’m looking forward to working with this Embry-Riddle further supports Embry-Riddle’s Research Park is also
of Fermi bubbles in the visible cellphone location systems — into pedestrian drastic reduction. amazing group to expand aviation career pathways nearly 18,000 jobs in Florida an economic driver. The Research Park,
light spectrum. dynamics modeling. The mathematical models By simulating many variations of different for every young person who has ever dreamed and Arizona — up from just which opened on the Daytona Beach
of pedestrian movement are based on the kinds of situations with pedestrian modeling about taking to the skies,” Shane Hocking says. under 14,000 in 2016, making the Campus in 2017, has generated more
movement of particles, such as molecules, and and combining them with infection modeling, The YIATF will work to develop and provide university “a leading creator of than $90 million in economic impact
were originally developed in materials science. Namilae says it is possible to identify and recommendations to the Federal Aviation high-wage employment in both in Florida and directly or indirectly
“All of this comes together so we can look quantify vulnerabilities, and determine crowd Administration to increase the number of high state economies,” according to the created 500 jobs, many of which are
at pedestrian data more comprehensively,” management strategies that may lead to lower school students taking STEM courses leading to a WEG report. high-wage. — Ginger Pinholster
Namilae says, adding that he will be working infection rates. — Michaela Jarvis career in aviation; encourage and support students
2 LIFT FA LL/ WIN TER 2020 A L UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT FA LL/ WI N TER 2020 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 3
COMMENTS AND OPINIONS
FROM EMBRY-RIDDLE
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS IN OTHER WORDS
Sidebar
FEEDBACK Head
University Sidebar
body, sometimes copy
is bold like a lead in,
URLs are Medium,
sidebar italic copy
looks like this
F RO M T H E E D I T O R
I
’m excited to announce that the inaugural
Chicken Coop Memories
cohort of the all-volunteer Eagle Writers Seeing the picture of the chicken coop in Lift
Corps (EWC) is already hard at work. [spring 2020: Wings of Legacy] brought back
an old memory. I went to Embry-Riddle in
Two of our newest Eagle writers make 1955, and our dorm room was in the chicken
their debuts in this issue: Tristyn Bemis coop, as was all of our ground school
classes. We rode a van every morning to
(’20) and Kim Sheeter. For more information Tamiami Airport for flight training. Keith Baskett (’92) always knew he
about the EWC, visit alumni.erau.edu/ewc. I attended Embry-Riddle for about six wanted to be a pilot, a career path that
months and received my commercial. I got wouldn’t have been available to his
A big thanks to those who completed the 2020 Alumni Attitude father, even as a World War II veteran.
a job in Richmond, Virginia, immediately
Survey, distributed via email from December to February. Nearly upon graduation, flying charters and
power line patrol before I was hired to fly
3,000 of you took the time to share your opinions with us. Among the
takeaways: 65% said they made a “Great decision” to attend Embry-
Riddle; 58% said their experience as a student was “Excellent”;
copilot on a twin Beech for a frozen food
corporation in New Jersey. In July of 1956, I
was hired by Capital Airlines, which merged
‘You’ve Got to Be Twice as Good’
with United five years later. I retired with BY KEITH BASKETT (’92)
and 24% said their experience as an alumnus was “Excellent.” I’m just under 38 years of service.
happy to report that 24% also said they would welcome more printed I grew up in the Washington, D.C., area, and for as long as I can An airplane itself certainly doesn’t care about the race, color
Tom Bailey (’55) remember I wanted to fly. or creed of its pilots. And as skilled, highly trained professionals,
materials from their alma mater (like Lift). See more survey results: Commercial Flight Certificate My story could start with the 5-year-old version of me who, our ability to perform at the highest levels is never a function of
alumni.erau.edu/2020survey. as a passenger one day on a Piedmont Airlines 727, thought to race, gender or ethnicity. However, while piloting skills may be
himself, “I want to do this when I grow up.” Fast-forward to 2020, the great equalizer, the opportunity to become a pilot has been
There’s no need to wait for the next survey. Let us know what and that little kid is now a 767 captain for a major airline. Dream historically limited.
you think: liftmag@erau.edu. — SARA WITHROW, EDITOR actualized — not that it was the least bit easy or guaranteed. The greatest strides in diversifying the cockpit have occurred
Growing up, and later as I was learning to fly, I heard the same only in the last few years. Regrettably, some of those gains may
loving admonition from my mother countless times: “You’ve got be reversed as the industry responds to current, worsening
to be twice as good!” Although her advice may not have been as economic realities. Nevertheless, the cyclical nature of the
applicable to me as it was to the generation of African Americans industry has proven that *now* is the best time to prepare for the
In Memoriam that preceded me, I took it to heart and set off on my educational future. I was encouraged by the host of young African American
I was sorry to read in the spring 2020 was one of the few clubs I could join at and career trajectory. students, as well as recent graduates, whom I met in my panel
edition about the passing of my classmate the time. We pledged and had an initiation Once at Embry-Riddle, I was fortunate to have met John Paul discussions at the Embry-Riddle campus earlier this year. It is
Joe Hajcak. Godspeed, Joe. Joe was the ceremony, just like other fraternities, but we Correction Riddle himself. I learned to fly, took advantage of the career incumbent on you to get in the game and help make a difference!
pilot who gave my wife, Marilyn, and me didn’t have any ‘craziness’ going on. The caption on this photo [spring 2020: center’s industry contacts to help land my first job, made lifelong Meanwhile, I’m proud of the ways in which a once insular
our first, and only, private flight aboard the Global, p. 29] should have read: Codou friendships and presided over the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. industry has evolved and continues to do so. This is an industry
Goodyear Blimp N1A from Watson Island Gail Tworek Martin (’79) Mbow, co-founder of the Senegalese I had chosen a career path that, quite frankly, would not have that must embrace positive change and realize that as both a
in Miami on Nov. 20, 1975. What a treat it B.S. Aeronautical Studies Alternative Learning Association, stands been available to my father, who even as a World War II veteran profession and a nation, we benefit by tapping into the talents and
was to leisurely cruise up and down Miami with members of the Saly Airshow would have faced obstacles and opposition in a system where experience of everyone, not just some. The demographic data
Beach at 37 mph (not knots) for an hour! Epsilon Rho Chapter leadership. policies of exclusion were taken for granted, and Black airline will let you know if your inclusion efforts are truly successful. As
He even let me have some ‘stick’ time. of Alpha Eta Rho pilots were all but nonexistent. By the time I entered college alumni, we are both part of, and leaders of, this effort.
While the student chapter is inactive at this in the 1980s, the commercial pilot population was still only 1%
Stephen E. Goldhammer (’73) time, we have a strong alumni organization African American.
TA L K T O U S
B.S. Aeronautical Science with over 700 brothers and sisters. I was Today that number approaches 3%, while African Americans CTA HEAD EDITOR’S NOTE: Baskett earned a B.S. in Aeronautical Science in 1992.
chapter president starting in Miami in 1964. We invite your feedback on Lift make up 13% of the U.S. population. We’ve come a long way, Ctabut
body
wecopy,He
italics,
was abold
guest panelist at Embry-Riddle’s 2020 Black Alumni Reunion
AHP Response I am anxious to meet any members from content or topics related to the still have a ways to go. in February. A captain for United Airlines, he resides in New York.
[In response to W. Emory Chronister, spring the founding of the chapter in 1960. university. Letters may be edited for
2020: Feedback] AHP was a professional style, length and clarity. Submission
aviation fraternity, Alpha Eta Rho. I was a Richard I. Thompson (’66, ’82) does not guarantee publication. SEND US YOUR STORY In Other Words gives you the opportunity to share your industry-related
member in 1978-79. It allowed membership B.S. Aeronautical Engineering EMAIL: liftmag@erau.edu or personal perspective with Lift readers. Email submissions/proposals to liftmag@erau.edu.
of both men and women. As a woman, it Master of Aeronautical Science
4 LIFT FA LL/ WIN TER 2020 A L UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT FA LL/ WI N TER 2020 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 5
WINGS OF
LEGAC Y
“It wasn’t a lot of ceremony, but it was
aviation in its purest form: A young
Final
pilot, in one of our planes from a
pioneer’s namesake university, set
him free.” — CAPT. BRIAN FLORENCE (’90)
Flight In the plane were Wiggins, now professor and chair of the RIDDLE’S MEMORIAL
Remembering department of aeronautical science, and George Thune, university
public relations director. The trio flew over Coral Gables out to sea, AMIDST BRITISH TRAINEES
Riddle’s last ride and at about 800 feet, they scattered the ashes. “I was nervous A Union Jack ripples in the wind in a
about the dispersal, but I held the plane steady while Dr. Wiggins cemetery in Florida, standing sentry over 23
dispersed Mr. Riddle’s ashes,” Florence remembers. tombstones that carry the British Royal Air
Florence says giving Riddle his final ride home is one of his Force (RAF) crest. In two neat rows in the
B Y KI M S HEETER most cherished memories. “It wasn’t a lot of ceremony, but it was southwest corner of Oak Ridge Cemetery
aviation in its purest form: A young pilot, in one of our planes from in Arcadia, Florida, is the British Plot.
a pioneer’s namesake university, set him free.” The RAF cadets buried at Oak Ridge
Like Riddle, Florence also committed to a life in aviation. Today, were learning to fly at Embry-Riddle’s
he flies Airbus A320 and 319 aircraft for United Airlines throughout flight school at Carlstrom Field near
North America and the Caribbean. His piloting experience extends Arcadia and at the No. 5 British Flying
GRAVESIDE: KIM SHEETER; RIDDLE: EMBRY-RIDDLE ARCHIVE
Capt. Brian Florence (’90) has flown recently completed his complex airplane endorsement when he to B727, DC-10 and B747-400 aircraft. He has been an instructor Training School (BFTS) at Riddle Field in
with United Airlines for nearly got a call from his academic adviser and coach, Mike Wiggins (’76, and facilitator for a command leadership program for United and Clewiston, Florida. Two died at Carlstrom
30 years, but one of his most ’81), asking him to help pilot the mission. Wiggins was confident has served as a consultant and participant in industry groups such Field, and the remainder died while based
memorable flights was the last ride in his choice. “Brian was a standout student and the one who first as the Air Line Pilots Association. From 1997 to 2002, he was a at the BFTS site.
of John Paul Riddle. Florence was came to mind when this honor arose,” he remembers. regional and national judge for NIFA. These deaths spanned five years, 1941
an Embry-Riddle student just shy of Florence had the skills but not the wardrobe. “I had to find a Florence is also involved in welcoming young talent to to 1945, and not all were the result of
his 21st birthday when he flew to blazer, shirt and tie,” he says. He flew one of the school’s Cessna aviation as vice president of aviation community development for flying accidents. Two airmen died of spinal
South Florida to scatter the ashes of 172s from Daytona Beach to Miami International to meet Tandy the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation. The foundation encourages meningitis shortly after they reported for
Embry-Riddle’s co-founder. Miles Riddle, who entrusted him with her father’s ashes. disadvantaged youth to pursue careers as professional pilots and training, and one died in a car crash. Airman
“I met [Riddle] on campus It was a nerve-wracking flight for a new pilot. Although Eastern awards annual scholarships for private pilot flight training. Alfred Thomas Lloyd accidentally drowned
TOP: DAVID MASSEY
several times. I first spotted Airlines was on strike at the time, Miami was an exceptionally John Paul Riddle also has a resting place on land — with the in a hazing incident only hours after his
him grabbing a bite at the grill busy airport. “We were on approach between two DC-10s with Royal Air Force pilots who died while training at the No. 5 British first solo in 1942. Later that year, the first
Capt. Brian Florence (‘90)
in University Center,” Florence their higher approach speeds. For me to come in at 120 knots as Flying Training School operated by Embry-Riddle. A gravesite flying casualty buried at Oak Ridge was
remembers. “He was an older gentleman in a ball cap and blazer. we landed was a new experience. We taxied to Signature Aviation marker commemorating his life rests at the British Plot of Oak Roger Bensley Crosskey. The final deaths
He laughed a lot and seemed very kind. When someone told under and between the wings of some very large jets.” Ridge Cemetery in Arcadia, Florida. occurred just four days before V-E Day and
me who he was, I walked over to shake his hand. He was very the surrender of Germany; two airmen died
interested in talking with students.” when their A-6 training aircraft crashed in
When Riddle died in April 1989, the Daytona Beach Campus Belle Glade, Florida.
hosted a memorial. On display was his portrait, draped in school At the end of the war, the U.S.
colors and a floral arrangement in the shape of an airplane. On April 19, government asked the RAF cadets’ next of
1989, Capt.
Members of the Embry-Riddle community read psalms, and a Brian Florence kin if they wanted the remains returned to
student offered a reading on the joy of flight from Richard Bach’s (’90) recorded the United Kingdom. The families of those
novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Students shared memories, his flight from buried at Oak Ridge chose to allow their
mentioning Riddle’s visits to residence halls, where he joined in Daytona Beach loved ones to remain in Arcadia.
to Miami
card games and Monopoly and enjoyed watching Miami Vice with A memorial marker for John Paul Riddle
International
students. At the end of the service, the recessional was “Wild to spread was added in 1989.
Blue Yonder,” originally the Army Air Corps’ anthem. There was John Paul
also a flyover by university aircraft. Riddle’s ashes Kim Sheeter publishes the aviation/pop
Florence says he wasn’t expecting to be part of Riddle’s sea out at sea. culture website WilderBlue.com and is
burial. His eyes were on graduation and his first job, as a primary planning to publish a biography of John
flight instructor for the university. He was co-captain of the Eagles Paul Riddle in 2021.
Flight Team, busy preparing for the National Intercollegiate Flying
Association (NIFA) competition in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He had
6 LIFT FA LL/ WIN TER 2020 A L UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT FA LL/ WI N TER 2020 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 7
As a member of ALPA’s Pilot Peer Support [PPS], I You’re also going to see the industry coalesce around
I N D U S T RY RO U N D TA B L E
personally have seen an uptick in the number of calls educating the public — about why it’s safe to fly in an
AVIATION
from pilots across the network. airplane. Holistically, the travel industry has to come
Our responsibilities as trained PPS volunteers are to act together to solve the problem. Innovation and discipline
as an ear for those struggling with their circumstances and from a safety perspective, the combination of those two
provide them the tools and resources to help themselves. things are powerful and will get us through this.
It’s important to acknowledge the growing mental and I think the industry will be different. I think when it
emotional struggle from bounces back it will be smaller — there’s little doubt
facing an uncertain future. about that. But it has the potential to grow stronger.
“We’ve all We’ve all been holding
IN THE been holding our breath since early Posoli-Cilli: Between first-time buyers coming into the
SHADOW
March, and our faces are market and current owners adding on to their fleet,
C. Jeffrey Knittel (’80), Rebecca Posoli-Cilli (’90),
our breath turning blue. aircraft sales remain strong with an immediate recovery.
CEO, Airbus Americas President and COO,
Freestream Aircraft Ltd.
since early Of course a new owner can struggle with a steep
Ray Jancso (’91): Early in learning curve of costs, operations, taxes and legal
March, and
the pandemic there was a ramifications. The worst scenarios in the coming year will
our faces are drop in demand in several be partnerships where two friends decide to share an
turning blue.” markets. There has since aircraft. Often within 18 months it becomes a disaster,
been a significant increase and friends become foes.
OF
COVID-19
— JOHN HACKWORTH (’09) in demand for continued All of our clients have decided to keep their aircraft,
and expanded operations upgrade or add. Not one is shutting down their flight
to support movement of business-to-business and department. Simply put, anyone with access will choose
business-to-consumer goods, and with that, an above to travel privately, leading to stronger sales in aircraft,
normal increase in the fiscal expense for materials and charter and share programs.
manpower to conduct those operations.
Ray Jancso (’91), John Hackworth (’09),
Manager, FedEx Express Founder, Professional Pilots of
In addition to the expenses every business is Hackworth: Being
“Simply put,
encountering, such as personal protective equipment involved with Professional
Crew Travel Services Tomorrow and pilot for JetBlue
and sanitizing of facilities, we also have to meet the Pilots of Tomorrow (PPOT), anyone with
stringent, and sometimes frequently changing, COVID-19 a volunteer mentorship access will choose
entry requirements of many foreign governments. Those nonprofit, we’ve seen
to travel privately,
T
he global economy is still reeling from the Rebecca Posoli-Cilli (’90): The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have required changes to routing, augmenting a serious impact on
impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which had a positive impact on aircraft sales. The very few, crew, conducting in-country COVID-19 testing and utilizing our members and our leading to stronger
hit the United States in March 2020. The desperate sellers dropped their prices early in March more costly government-designated hotel vendors. leadership team. A great
aviation industry has arguably experienced the greatest and April and then transactions stopped for 60 days. So while FedEx Express is experiencing volumes deal of our volunteers sales in aircraft,
financial toll of any sector. The International Air Transport Inventory is now drying up, prices have stabilized usually not seen until the holiday peak season, it’s are pilots from regional, charter and share
Association projected in June that worldwide, airlines and quality aircraft are going under contract rapidly. taking a tremendous amount of additional effort and an mainline and cargo
will lose more than $84 billion this year, and passenger First-time buyers are predominantly in the $4 million unusually higher amount of expense to meet demand operators, and many
programs.”
traffic may not achieve pre-COVID-19 levels until 2024. to $7 million range. and maintain our high level of service. are facing losing their — REBECCA POSOLI-CILLI (’90)
We reached out to executives in a variety of aviation Appraisals saw an upward trend due in part to margin livelihoods, if they haven’t
business sectors — from global aircraft manufacturers calls, insurance changes (to no-fly) and general portfolio Q: How do you see the coronavirus crisis already. I’m inspired by how many
and charter services, to airline pilots and cargo management. The charter business also had an ‘adrenaline disrupting aviation in the future? are continuing to offer their support to aspiring pilots
operators — to get their take on this crisis. Here’s what rush’ as families and executives needed to travel home Knittel: In terms of international flying, I think you’ll see regardless of their own unfortunate circumstances.
they had to say. and shelter in place. By April, this activity stopped, with airlines operating a more fragmented system instead We believe mentorship organizations have a
the exception of companies like VistaJet and XO, which of operating hub to hub. As most airlines have learned responsibility to be there, when the doors reopen, to
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected neither furloughed employees nor ceased operations. over time, the yields are better when you’re operating support up-and-coming professionals.
your business sector to date? Teterboro Airport itself resembled a ghost town. spoke to spoke, and passengers will pay for not having
C. Jeffrey Knittel (’80): This is the worst downturn that The charter market has returned with a vengeance. to connect into a hub. Jancso: The unknown of how long the presence or spread
this industry has faced. The pullback here has been much Every operator should be enjoying this opportunity to Smaller passenger airplanes will also be in greater of the COVID-19 virus will be a factor, makes it difficult to
more dramatic than 9/11, and it’s been global. No one has gain new clients and prove their unique services. demand, such as the A220 and the A321. And as say what other challenges might come into play. Certainly,
really been spared. Revenue passenger miles at one point routes open up — or even as people want to fly there’s risk for another shutdown of key businesses and
were down 90%. John Hackworth (’09): Beyond the obvious anxiety of transcontinental and transatlantic — the 321LR and factories that would impact demand for air cargo services.
This is a high-fixed-cost business. If you have an 80% to potentially losing one’s job, a major source of frustration XLR, which can accommodate passenger loads of 150 Ever-changing entry and testing requirements in foreign
90% drop in passenger kilometers, your need for airplanes I’ve heard from ALPA (Air Line Pilots Association) to 170, will be a great fit. countries will continue to complicate operations. But I’m
today drops, and the number of airplanes you’re storing member pilots across all airlines has been not knowing The A321XLR has only been out less than a year in confident that air cargo carriers like FedEx Express will rise
goes up. That is putting a lot of pressure on this industry. [what could happen]. This is a result of the carrier’s terms of offer, and we’ve already sold 450 of them [as of to meet the challenge.
The industry as a whole is pulling back — slowing management either not knowing themselves, not sharing summer 2020]. The market is there, and I think COVID will
things to maintain our balance sheets. or misinformation being spread through the rumor mill. drive increased demand for that aircraft in the long run. Compiled by Alan Marcos Pinto Cesar
8 LIFT FA LL/ WIN TER 2020 A L UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT FA LL/ WI N TER 2020 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 9
A Tool for Tomorrow eventually.” People have to look at and tag millions of
The tool, and the company they’ve formed, is called images — label them — before feeding these tagged
Labelbox. A web-based platform, Labelbox allows images through an algorithm, which then learns to
users to identify and label items portrayed in an identify what is shown in these images on its own,
image, so that these items can be parsed, via a Sharma explains.
proprietary machine learning algorithm, to extract Recognizing the common need for labeled data
meaningful insights. The platform also allows users and for an analytics platform to manage it was an
to coordinate the activities of individual labelers, epiphany for Sharma. Together with Rieger, he saw an
whether it’s a handful or thousands. opportunity to build a tool that could be replicated and
The applications are endless, Rieger says. “When customized to help people around the world.
you look at all of the different sectors of the economy
today, there’s a lot of visual decision-making going on. A Burning Desire to Innovate
Machine learning, and AI [artificial intelligence] more Spurred by their competitive time at Embry-Riddle,
generally, is good at doing visual analysis; it’s good Sharma and Rieger always found ways to work
at finding patterns in visual information.” Companies together after graduation. First, they partnered to
across industries — from dentistry to agriculture, launch a commercial wind turbine company with
fashion to finance — are using machine learning to support from an Embry-Riddle research grant. They
build the next generation of products and help make simultaneously collaborated with professors to
informed decisions, he says. conduct AI research for flight controls and organized
“This hasn’t been done before,” Rieger adds. “We the university’s first-ever TEDx event.
haven’t been able to code software algorithms and In 2012, the duo formed Infinity Aerospace.
use logic directly to understand the complexity of the Inspired by their desire to empower student research,
visual world and written world, but machine learning the company designed and manufactured the Ardulab,
and AI can do that, and that’s one of its hallmarks.” an open-source platform for space experiments
aboard the International Space Station.
Seeds of Success In the meantime, Jou was building a career in
The idea that ultimately gave birth to Labelbox started commercial aviation at Spirit Airlines.
forming in Sharma’s mind when he worked for Planet In 2018, Sharma and Rieger founded Labelbox and
Labs, a provider of global satellite imagery data. hired Jou as the director of customer success.
“These people (at Planet Labs) began to build very The three aerospace engineer entrepreneurs
small imaging satellites,” Sharma says. “We were acknowledge that their shared college experience
able to scan the Earth every single day. And my job created a lasting bond and a burning desire to
was to build an analytics platform to extract insights innovate. “It has been the most transformational
from this imagery that we were collecting.” experience of all of our lives, meeting there [at
Sharma says Planet Labs was using AI to process Embry-Riddle] together,” Sharma says.
From left, Brian Rieger (’11), Cyrus Jou its image data to answer questions, such as: What And even as they change the landscape of
(’11) and Manu Sharma (’11) are using does deforestation look like on Earth? And, how machine learning and AI, Sharma says the three
machine learning and artificial intelligence much deforestation is happening in Brazil or in the continue to be interested in aviation. “Our world is
to solve clients’ problems at the startup
Sharma and Rieger founded in 2018.
United States? very much like Embry-Riddle, even today.”
“[But] if you want the AI to detect cars from
satellite or drone imagery, or to detect where EDITOR’S NOTE: Sharma, Rieger and Jou expressed their
M
deforestation is happening, you need humans to tag gratitude to professors Snorri Gudmundsson, Glenn
What’s in
lots of examples of cars and give it to this model, Greiner, Yongho Lee, Brian Butka, William Barott and
anu Sharma (’11), Brian Rieger (’11) and and the model will be trained to detect these cars Jianhua Liu for their mentorship and support.
Cyrus Jou (’11) met during their senior
year capstone course at Embry-Riddle
a Label? FIGHTING COVID-19 WITH DATA
in Professor Snorri Gudmundsson’s
aircraft design class. “We were on
three different teams, and we were
all competing with each other on Multiple organizations that are working on microscopes to study pathology slides and blood
designing the best airplane,” Sharma vaccines, treatments and cures for the COVID- samples, as well as examine the spectroscopy
Three alumni look ‘inside explains. “We were all very, very
competitive and very excited to explore
19 disease caused by the new coronavirus are
using Labelbox as a tool in their arsenal.
of the results.
When time is of the essence, Rieger says,
the box’ to develop the latest the boundaries of what was possible with the
limited knowledge that we had.”
Labelbox co-founder Brian Rieger (’11)
explains, “The way that drugs work is they often
“you can use augmentation and automation of
visual processes with machine learning and AI
machine learning innovations They’ve continued to explore the boundaries of
possibility, well beyond their days at Embry-Riddle, by
go into the bloodstream, and they either bind or
augment the nature of the thing they’re trying
(artificial intelligence) to accelerate and improve
the outcomes of decision-making.”
partnering in several innovative ventures. to fight against, or boost another agent to help Whether AI has a long-term future in the
Their latest innovation, ironically enough, has them fight the disease.” Searching for these development of cures and vaccines remains
them thinking “inside the box.” Together they have bindings and agents of action in the cells and to be seen. For now, Rieger says the Labelbox
BRYON MALIK
BY LAUREN J OHNST ON developed a tool that uses machine learning to help bloodstream can be an intensely visual process. team is proud to work with companies in the
data scientists find meaningful patterns in very large Biologists and other medical professionals use fight against COVID-19.
amounts of visual information.
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BREAKING
BARRIERS
Alumni bring diverse backgrounds and a shared
Embry-Riddle heritage to national leadership roles
BY ALAN MARCOS PINTO CESAR
A N D M E L A N I E S TAW I C K I A Z A M
U.S. AIR FORCE/ANDY MORATAYA : THE APPEARANCE OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
(DOD) VISUAL INFORMATION DOES NOT IMPLY OR CONSTITUTE DOD ENDORSEMENT.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air
Force JoAnne S. Bass (’05)
is the first woman and the
first Asian American to serve
as the Air Force’s highest-
ranking enlisted leader.
12 LIFT FA LL/ WIN TER 2020 A L UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT FA LL/ WI N TER 2020 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 13
E
mbry-Riddle alumni have ranks, I often had to work twice as hard to prove their
a penchant for shattering expectations and perceptions of African Americans
stereotypes — and the were invalid, in order to pave the way for those behind
glass ceilings that often me,” he says.
come with them. Eagles He learned to walk an invisible tightrope between
regularly break gender two worlds. “You learn to adapt to the majority while
and ethnic barriers still providing your perspective as an African American,
and achieve leadership and not the perspective of all African Americans,”
positions, in spite of facing Brown says.
significant social and Following the public outcry against the May 25,
cultural challenges in the 2020, police killing of George Floyd, a Black resident of
professional space. Minneapolis, the four-star general was prompted by his
This year, while people across the country raised son to make a public statement.
their voices to protest social injustice against African Brown recalls, “He asked me, ‘Dad, what’s PACAF
Americans and other underrepresented populations, [Pacific Air Forces] saying?’ which is code for, ‘Dad,
several alumni soared above the noise to claim hard- what are you saying?’”
earned roles of national prominence. Brown responded by posting a video (produced
by PACAF) on social media. In it he stated: “I can’t fix
Leading the U.S. Air and Space Forces centuries of racism in our country ... [But] I’m thinking
Perhaps no one soared higher than Gen. Charles about how I can make improvements personally,
Q. Brown Jr. (’95), who made history on June 9, professionally and institutionally, so that all airmen,
2020, when the Senate unanimously confirmed his both today and tomorrow, appreciate the value of
nomination as the 22nd chief of staff for the U.S. Air diversity and can serve in an environment where they
Force. Brown is the first African American to serve in can reach their full potential.”
this role — and the first to lead any U.S. Armed Force Honoring this intention, one of Brown’s first official
as its highest-ranking officer. duties as chief of staff was to appoint JoAnne S. Bass
A command pilot who holds a Master of (’05) as the 19th chief master sergeant for the Air
Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle, he credits Force. CMSAF Bass now holds the distinction of being
his achievement in part to his ability to see challenges the first woman and the first Asian American to serve
U.S. AIR FORCE/ANDY MORATAYA : THE APPEARANCE OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
as opportunities, and to African American leaders as the Air Force’s highest-ranking enlisted leader.
(DOD) VISUAL INFORMATION DOES NOT IMPLY OR CONSTITUTE DOD ENDORSEMENT.
across the Air Force and military who inspired him, “It is a moment that could not have taken
“like the Tuskegee Airmen, Benjamin O. Davis Jr. and place without the efforts of many women who
Chappie James.” have gone before me,” said Bass, at her Aug. 14
Honorary Embry-Riddle alumna and Secretary transition ceremony. “Our Air Force today is on the
of the Air Force Barbara Barrett (HonDoc ’06) had right side of history … we are focused on setting a
the privilege of swearing Brown into his new post on foundation for all Americans to see themselves in
DID YOU
Aug. 6. this great institution.” KNOW?
In taking his oath of office, Brown attained Chosen from more than a dozen finalists, Bass,
✈ The Worldwide
something that would likely have been unimaginable who holds a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics from
Campus is the
for his grandfather, Robert E. Brown Jr., who served Embry-Riddle, was promoted from command
most diverse
in an all-Black unit during World War II, and his father, chief, Second Air Force, at Keesler Air Force Base,
Embry-Riddle
Charles Brown, who grew up in segregated San Mississippi. Her new role includes continuing work on
campus. As of fall
Antonio, Texas. Today, only 8.8% of all military officers improving resiliency, reducing suicide and improving
2019, 35.8% of its
are Black, according to Pentagon statistics. diversity and racial equality in the Air Force.
undergraduate
Prior to his recent appointment, Brown commanded “As we reflect on the past, we must also look
students and 32.2%
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. the Pacific Air Forces and the air component of the forward to cultivating an environment filled with
Charles Q. Brown Jr. (’95)
of its graduate
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. He admits he faced innovation, with collaboration, moving toward our
congratulates Chief Master students were
challenges in his career ascent. future … a future where we embrace true diversity
Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne people of color.
S. Bass (’05) during the
“I felt pressure to perform error-free, especially for and forge an inclusive culture where our airmen’s
transfer of responsibility supervisors I perceived had expected less from me as talents, what they bring to the fight, are embedded
ceremony on Aug. 14, 2020. an African American. I felt that as I rose through the deep in our roots,” she said.
14 LIFT FA LL/ WIN TER 2020 A L UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT FA LL/ WI N TER 2020 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 15
When Burt commissioned into
the Air Force out of Embry-
“I’m thinking about how I can make improvements personally, professionally and Riddle’s ROTC Detachment 157,
women weren’t allowed to be
Six Embry-Riddle
institutionally, so that all airmen ... appreciate the value of diversity and can serve in an fighter pilots.
Burt, who earned a B.S. in
Alumnae Named
environment where they can reach their full potential.” – gen. charles q. brown jr. (’95) Aeronautical Engineering from to National
Embry-Riddle, chose the Air Force
because of a scholarship. She Women in Aviation
expected to exit to the private
sector after fulfilling her four - year
Advisory Board
obligation. But during those four
Secretary Barrett, who leads the U.S. Air and Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day years, her friend Jeannie Leavitt
Space Forces, says she feels fortunate to have Brown O’Connor, whom Barrett worked for when Day (née Flynn) became the first
and Bass on her executive team. “The department
benefits from their leadership,” she says.
As a female leader in a male-dominated profession,
O’Connor was an Arizona state senator, was one
of her mentors and role models.
Barrett, who taught leadership as a Harvard Fellow at
female fighter pilot.
“The passion and desire for
flying that I saw in my female
T he path to increasing the number
of women working in the aviation
industry starts with STEM education and
Barrett is also known for breaking socio-cultural the Kennedy School of Government, says she has seen counterparts at Embry-Riddle … providing young girls with role models
boundaries. Her achievements were hard fought. a lot of change over the decades, and there is much less now they had a chance and the who help them see the possibility of
After her dad died when she was 13, she went resistance today to women in leadership positions. Maj. Gen. Deanna Burt (’91) door was open. I saw many go aviation as a career.
to work to support her five siblings, herself and her “Leadership takes energy, a vision and serves as commanding officer from T-38 or heavy pilots and cross Six Embry-Riddle alumnae will be
for the Combined Force Space
mother. “Whatever measure of success I achieved, it determination to get things done,” she says. Component Command. over to fighter pilots after that,” working to do just that as members
was born of necessity,” she says. “Leadership is in ample supply among women today Burt says. of a newly formed Women in Aviation
An Arizona native, Barrett has also been a cattle around the world.” But what made Burt fall in Advisory Board (WIAAB). Appointed
and bison rancher for close to three decades; plus, love with the Air Force and make her career there, was its system of to the board by U.S. Secretary of
she’s an instrument-rated pilot, and trained and Leveling the Field meritocracy — basing promotions on a person’s performance, first and Transportation Elaine L. Chao, the
certified for space flight. Maj. Gen. Deanna Burt (’91), who served as foremost. Later, when she became chair of the developmental team, alumnae include Crystal L. Barrois (’04),
“I am fortunate to be from Arizona, where women director of operations and communications for the she put the system into practice herself. When low-performing captains Dana Donati (’19), Kathryn Fraser (’18),
have been in leadership roles for a very long time — U.S. Space Force and is now commanding officer for were identified, a team member would provide them with additional Laura Benson Jones (’03), Rebecca Lutte
where what you produce is what matters, as opposed the Combined Force Space Component Command mentorship, she says. (’91) and Col. Martha Morris (’02).
to gender or race,” she says. (CFSCC) at Vandenberg Air Force Base, would agree. This effort helps level the playing field, regardless of a person’s The 30-member WIAAB will develop
background, Burt says, which brings diversity into leadership — an recommendations for the Federal
important goal. “If all you see is a bunch of old white guys, you don’t see Aviation Administration regarding
a future at the company. You’ve got to be willing to grow people to bring education, training, mentorship,
them all the way to the top. I have absolutely been a product of that. outreach and recruitment of women in
“But it has to be a meritocracy. You can’t artificially put them in by the aviation industry.
quota, or your organization will struggle as well. Diversity takes time. It A tenured associate professor at the
has to be persistent.” University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation
Now, decades into what started as a four-and-done commitment, Burt Institute, Rebecca Lutte (’91) says there is
is leading the CFSCC for the nation’s newest military branch — the Space a lot of work to be done. An aircraft owner/
U.S. AIR FORCE/WAYNE CLARK : THE APPEARANCE OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
INFORMATION DOES NOT IMPLY OR CONSTITUTE DOD ENDORSEMENT.
Force — and she wants to make diversity a big part of its success. pilot and a nationally recognized scholar
“Without diversity, you struggle with new ideas. If you don’t have on women in the aviation workforce,
diversity in age, gender, ethnicities and experiences, you won’t get to a full Lutte says there are significant gaps in
picture of how best to change and make the Space Force as cutting-edge the number of women in aviation in most
as it needs to be,” Burt says. fields, but particularly in professional
pilots (5% women) and maintenance
Paving the Way for Immigrants technicians (2.4% women). “We need to
U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Valdeta Mehanja (’13, ’17) is helping to transform take a hard look at the reasons for these
military policy and practices. In July, she received the prestigious gender gaps and develop new strategies
American Immigration Council’s American Heritage Award for her efforts that not only address these barriers, but
on behalf of immigrants. also focus on the factors that draw women
“My accomplishments and contributions to America wouldn’t have into aviation,” she says. Laura Benson
Secretary of the Air Force been possible if I didn’t have people who helped me along the way,” Jones (’03), a certificated flight instructor
Barbara M. Barrett (HonDoc
says Mehanja of the award. “It was not easy to get here; it was a very and airline transport pilot, agrees. As
’06) administers the oath of
office to incoming Air Force long journey.” chair of the board of Flight Club 502 — a
Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. At age 7, Mehanja and her family fled the war in Kosovo and lived nonprofit that uses aerospace lessons to
Brown Jr. (’95), as his wife, as refugees in Germany until she was 16. When the war was over, inspire and develop life skills in youth —
Sharene, holds the Bible. they returned home to a destroyed house and a country in ruins. After she is ready to make a difference. “We’d
VISUAL
Brown is the 22nd chief of
(DOD) CLARK
staff of the Air Force and working as a U.S. military contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mehanja love to move the needle on increasing
the first African American to came to Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2010 to attend Embry-Riddle and the number of girls pursuing careers in
WAYNE
serve in this role. pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. aerospace,” she says.
16 LIFT FA LL/ WIN TER 2020 A L UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT FA LL/ WI N TER 2020 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 17You can also read
