Insight Gained Serving Three Presidents, Al Ramsey Will Share His Insights At Wednesday Program
Al Ramsey’s 46 years in aviation put him in positions where service to others was paramount. Serving with the Air Force’s Special Air Missions Wing (SAM), the unit flying the President and highest officials of the United States, gave him special insight into the importance that purpose and core values play in being safe and successful.
Al will be talking about the insights he gained while serving in the Air Force Special Air Missions Wing (SAM) during the Ford, Carter, and Reagan administrations. SAM is the unit responsible for flying the President and the highest officials of the United States. Al will be relating his experiences to the key principles of Rotary.
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After flying the C-141 - the first jet designed for military cargo, Al served in Vietnam flying the C-7 Caribou short takeoff and landing cargo airplane. Upon his return, he was among the first at Travis Air Force Base chosen to fly the then-world‘s-largest airplane, the C-5. In 1974, Al was chosen for Special Air Missions. As assistant chief for Current Operations, he oversaw all missions and support for the SAM fleet. After Air Command and Staff College, Al led the Special Missions Division of the Military Airlift Command. The division was responsible for the procedures, standards, and evaluation programs for all special mission aircraft and crews including aeromedical, rescue, and special operations forces.
Al retired from the Air Force in 1987 as a lieutenant colonel. Al then served as a manager and pilot in corporate aviation. In 1992, he joined FlightSafety International, a world leader in aviation training and flight simulation. He managed the Houston and Seattle learning centers and headed many company-wide programs. After completing his Seattle assignment, he returned to Kingwood and eased into retirement by mentoring and instructing at the rapidly expanding DFW location.
Al believes himself fortunate to have spent his career serving others and helping people fly airplanes safely.
From a military family, Al grew up in Mobile AL. He is a Distinguished ROTC Graduate of Auburn University with an Aviation Management degree and a Masters in Business Administration. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, six Air Medals, and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross. Al and his wife Kathy have eight delightful granddaughters