In November of 2017, the Air Force Public Affairs Agency (AFPAA) launched "Veterans in Blue," a portrait collection showcasing the men and women that have contributed to the legacy of the Air Force. The Airmen highlighted have aided in making the Air Force what it is today--the best in the world. Through the Veterans in Blue project, these service members share their personal stories of how the Air Force has made a difference in their lives. These stories supported in operations from World War II to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Veterans In Blue – Season 1- Episode 1: James Moad
2017
Retired U.S. Air Force pilot James A. Moad uses his talent as a writer, playwright and actor to raise awareness and let veterans' voices be heard. He calls…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 2: Yardley Hunter
2017
Dr. Yardley Hunter joined the Air Force on Aug. 22, 1975. At the time, she was one of only three women to graduate with an Air Force commission from Bennett…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 3: Chad Hennings
2017
Chad Hennings earned his commission and graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1988. He attended pilot school and eventually became an A-10 Thunderbolt…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 4: Jerry Owens
2017
Jerry Owens began his military career May 7, 1968. With his draft number approaching, he decided to enlist in the Air Force. Owens’ first duty station…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 5: Paul Mootz
2017
Paul Edward Mootz had a distinguished 30-year military career from 1959 to 1989. He initially trained as a medical corpsman at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 6: Lezlie Eustis
2017
Lezlie Eustis served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, 11 as active duty, 9 as a reservist. She worked in three different career fields during…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 7: Edward Rice
2017
Edward A. Rice Jr. is a 1978 distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. During his time on active duty, he commanded at the squadron, group,…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 8: Elis Salamone
2017
Elis Salamone began her military career not as an Airman but as an Army Soldier. Within three years of doing Army personnel work, Salamone knew she was…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 9: Aubrey Palmer
2017
Aubrey Palmer was a Vietnam-era farm boy from Washington when he decided that instead of waiting for his draft number to come up he would raise his hand…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 10: George Price
2017
George Price served more than 26 years in the Air Force before retiring in August 1976. During his career Price received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 11: Luis Crespo
2017
Veterans all over the country have their own amazing stories. Here is one of San Angelo's own, Luis Crespo. Veterans in Blue is a multimedia collection…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 12: William Hardy
2017
Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) William E. Hardy is an Air Force veteran with 22 years of service. After graduating from Green Country Central High School in…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 13: John Kidd
2017
John Kidd took an interest in airplanes at a young age and followed in his father’s footsteps by enlisting in the Air Force on Aug. 28, 1968.
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 14: Janet Pattison
2017
Janet Pattison joined the Air Force in June 1992 and retired as a lieutenant colonel in February 2012. Pattison joined the Air Force partially due to her…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 15: Gregory Passig
2017
Gregory D. Passig is the Director of Business Operations, 52nd Contracting Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. He coordinates the activities of the…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 16: Lorraine Potter
2017
Lorraine K. Potter served in the Air Force from 1973 to 2004. She became the first female chaplain to commission into the Air Force in 1973, the first…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 17: James Forman
2017
James “Quin” Forman enlisted as a private in the Army Air Corps at Ft. Logan, Colorado, in 1940 and served 14 years. He hoped that by voluntarily enlisting,…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 18: Irving Tyrell Jr.
2017
Irving Tyrrell Jr. dreamt of flying since childhood. In pursuit of his dreams, he enrolled at the University of Alabama in 1967 and entered the Air Force…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 19: Beth Yandow
2017
Beth Yandow joined the Air Force in July 1984 when she was 17 years old. She joined on a dare from her brothers after she suggested one of them enlist…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 20: Charlie Simpson
2017
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Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 21: Gerry Leo
2017
Chief Master Sgt. Gerry Leo revisits his forty years of service as a Chief Flight Engineer for the 914th Airlift Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station…
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 22: Kathi Durst
2017
Kathi Durst began breaking barriers for women in 1977 when, at age 17, she became one of the first female Air Force Academy cadets.
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 23: Willie Ford
2017
Willie Ford joined the Air Force in December 1991 when his small hometown in South Carolina couldn’t provide him the career opportunities he sought.
Veterans In Blue – Season 1 – Episode 24: John Marusiak
2017
John Marusiak Jr’s passion for aviation ignited after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. At age 24, Marusiak stepped forward to serve his country…