As executive officer of the 478th Aeronautical System Wing (478 AESW), I occupy a unique position of significant influence, ensuring the USAF's ability to ensuring air dominance into the 21st century. But, as you will see, it was a winding path that brought me here and a unique set of experiences that prepared me for this role. As a young boy growing up in northern Michigan, I was always obsessed with military aviation. Like many young boys, model airplanes filled my room, from P-51 Mustangs and B-17 Flying Fortresses to F-15 Eagles and the beloved F-117 Nighthawk. It is truly the latter of these aircraft that has guided my career and life to this point, and it was the recognition of this aircraft that led me to love the Air Force. As a high school student, I planned to attend the Air Force Academy. , but when my then-girlfriend (now wife) got pregnant, we decided I needed a new plan. Having no financial means to attend college on my own, I applied for and received a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship at Michigan Technological University. While in college, I was fortunate to become a Wing Commander and then Inspector General, which allowed me to work directly for our Detachment Commander (a select O-6). Additionally, I was able to attend numerous special trainings which gave me the opportunity to meet everyone from the Commander of Allied Air Forces Southern Europe to the Secretary of the Air Force. All of these experiences gave me a good insight early on into what senior management is really like. I graduated from ROTC as a Distinguished Graduate, which helped me get accepted into the Air Force Institute of T...... middle of paper. ....re so they can focus on their job of providing war fighters with the world's most advanced fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor. By ensuring that these individuals are empowered, motivated, and properly equipped, they are free to focus on their work of producing, acquiring, and delivering this product to war fighters, and thus ensuring that the USAF and DoD has the critical capabilities of the F-22 available when they are needed. As you can see, it was not a single factor, but a combination of several factors that led me to join the USAF, and a series of crucial opportunities that led me to the position I hold Today. My unique experience and expertise allows me to help ensure that the capabilities of the F-22 Raptor are transferred to warfighters in a timely and cost-effective manner, ensuring the USAF maintains its long-term air superiority..