Today we’d like to introduce you to Thomas Abair.
Thomas, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My passion for flying started as far back as I can remember. I would often gaze at the sky, dreaming of being at the controls of the aircraft I would see flying overhead. As a young aspiring aviator with limited to no resources, the United States Air Force was the obvious choice after high school. After I retired, I noticed the limited amount of opportunities available for aspiring aviators. Utilizing my prior experience in aerospace and as a private pilot, I decided to design a fun and interactive program to introduce aerospace and aeronautics to youth with little or no knowledge of the subject, as well as the ones dreaming of a future in aviation. In a practical hands on environment, Aerospace Awareness provides students ages 9-14 with leadership skills and basic experience in the intimidating world of aerospace and aeronautics. There is an overwhelming sense of accomplishment securing a future for aerospace and aviation as well as watching the youth of my community grow. My career in aviation and aerospace might have began when I enlisted in the US Air Force but it has always lived in my heart as a youth!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge was finding a community that believed in my program. Aerospace and aviation isn’t something a parent typically thinks about when it comes to choosing an extracurricular activity for their child. I would spend hours trying to introduce various communities to the program.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I served most recently as an Airborne Telecommunications Specialist, 116th Air Control Wing Air Combat Command. I served in a variety of operational assignments initially as an aerospace propulsion technician on B-1 bomber aircraft and subsequently a communications aircrew member on E-8C (JSTARS) aircraft. In this role, I directly impacted numerous mission sorties in the U.S. and abroad including successful mission planning of operations in the most advanced training in weapons and tactics school at Nellis AFB NV. I have flown multiple combat operations not limited to but including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After retiring, I obtained my private pilot license and still have a continued passion for aviation.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Georgia Special Operations Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I would like to provide Aerospace Awareness to other communities in the Atlanta area.
Contact Info:
- Email: AerospaceAwareness@Gmail.com
- Website: AerospaceAwareness.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aerospaceawareness/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aerospaceainc/
