06/13/2026
In celebration of our nation's 250th birthday, let us unite in celebrating life, passion, purpose, and, most importantly, EACH OTHER. I give thanks to my creator for entrusting me with life, giving me a divine purpose to fulfill, and the passion to persevere and execute. Please allow me to explain.
Among active commercial heavy-lift airplanes, the Boeing 747, also known as the Queen of the Sky, has the highest flight deck (aka the cockpit) in the world, sitting about 35 feet off the ground. You literally feel like you are sitting on top of the world - ask me how I know?
Last week, as I approached one of Atlas Air's Queens, I looked up towards the front left-side of the airplane, where the flight deck is located - also where I sit as the Captain, and noticed a new decal with a powerful celebratory message affixed to the bottom right side of the flight deck windows: "Atlas Air Proudly Celebrates America 250."
At that very moment, it hit me that I too had something to celebrate. I had arrived at the pinnacle of one of my lifelong pursuits - a rare and deeply rewarding feeling. I had fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming an airline pilot, to eventually flying as a Captain on the Boeing 747 which I had always wanted, and for one of the best airlines on the planet - also where I hope to soon retire.
Partway through preparing for the flight, I was notified by the purser (lead flight attendant) that the flight attendants (45 in total) had assembled on the main deck and were awaiting my Captain's briefing. They all valued and appreciated my assurance of safety, support and comfort on that mission as we were being dispatched to a part of the world with lots of fireworks—not celebratory, I assure you.
From my humble beginnings to now, I am ecstatic, proud, and thankful to be part of one of the best airline leadership teams, led by a competent CEO. Atlas Air is one of the best airlines to work for, and I have the opportunity - and responsibility, to lead and work alongside some of the industry's finest - teams of professional, motivated and fun First Officers and Flight Attendants, backed by a team of highly professional dispatchers, crew schedulers, and crew planners, in service of US military personnel, as well as a variety of other global commercial air transport activity.
With two things being true at the same time, I am also the founder and CEO of a globally recognized drone manufacturing and AI technology company, Aquiline Drones Corporation, leading a team of drone and AI technology professionals across the finish line - AD is currently pursuing an IPO. Leadership and stewardship are my faithful passions which I deliberately hone to ensure successful outcomes. Undoubtedly, I am living my best years!
In celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary, and the bountiful opportunities it provides us to pursue our individual passions, lets take a moment to first celebrate humanity. Starting with celebrating ourselves and our achievements, to celebrating those who came before us - sacrificed and endured to give us strong shoulders to stand on, as well as those - today, who take the time to celebrate us, provoking our strengths and resolve by simply whispering in our ear, "YOU CAN DO IT!" Humanity deserves a fighting chance. Let's love, support, and celebrate each other, NOW AND FOREVER!
