08/19/2026
✈️ Chase the dream.
For National Aviation Day, we’re celebrating the many different paths that can lead to aviation, and the people who decided to follow them.
Photo 2 — Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau
At 16, Laz saw the F-22 perform at an airshow. That moment inspired him to become a pilot and eventually fly the same aircraft that inspired him!
Photo 3 — Capt. Carter “Tora” Thorne
Tora began flying at the U.S. Air Force Academy and flew on the same flying team as Laz. Today, he’s our demonstration safety pilot.
Photo 4 — Steve “Steve-O” Hinton
Steve-O’s first flight was at two weeks old. Today, he has more than 2,500 hours in the air. You will see him flying the P-38 this weekend!
Photo 5 — Staff Sgt. Robin Wharton
Robin found her passion for flying while working at her hometown airport. Today, she’s the team’s multi-capable Airman and a private pilot!
Photo 6 — Staff Sgt. Aubrey Cabe
Aubrey wanted to show her godchildren that anything is possible, so she decided to chase her own aviation dreams. She is pursing her masters in aeronautical engineering, with goals to commission.
Photo 7 — Senior Airman David Newell
David saw the F-22 Demo Team at Oshkosh in 2014. With a background in mechanics, that experience inspired him to pursue his own goal of becoming an Air Force pilot.
Six people. Six different paths. One thing in common: they chased the dream.
The Air Force has given them opportunities to learn, grow and pursue aviation, and now they’re inspiring others to do the same.
Aviation is for everybody. ✈️
Come find us at the London Airshow this week and hear their stories for yourself.