The FAA Thanks Our Veterans
In recognition of Veterans Day, several of the FAA’s more than 15,000 military veterans share what the day — and their service to our nation — mean to them.
By Maia Lee Sang, FAA Office of Communications
Cammey Kasper — Army — Aviation Safety Office of Aerospace Medicine
To Cammey Kasper, Veterans Day is a day of respect. After she retired from the Army, Cammey realized how much she gained and learned from her service, including leadership skills, lifelong friends, and memorable experiences. “Now that I have served in a combat zone, my love and respect for those that fought much harder for our freedoms we enjoy in America have created a profound love and respect for those that fought before me, and those that will fight after me. I will always stand proud and salute the Veterans of the United States.”
Jessica Schmidt — Navy — Aviation Safety Office of Aerospace Medicine
Jessica Schmidt chose to serve in the military for the country and be a part of something bigger than herself. By following the guidance from friends and family, she enlisted in the Navy was deployed to bases in Afghanistan and Japan. After her service, Jessica felt the dedication, commitment, and motivation that she gained from her service play into her role at the FAA where she can once again be a part of something bigger than herself.
Linda White — Marine Corps — Air Traffic Operations Flight Program Operations
Linda White has many vivid memories from her nine-year military career that still impacts her today, using what she learned to manage her current career at the FAA. Whether boot camp, water survival, 10-mile nature hikes, operating on limited sleep, countless hours of pounding paving, running mile after mile, rappelling training, or other teambuilding exercises, Linda claims, “my military career continues to have an impact on life and my civilian federal career, and it all began with my first airplane ride to boot camp.”
Matt Brackmann — Navy — Aviation Safety Office of Aircraft Certification
“The comraderies developed with friends throughout my 20 years, the heartbreak of losing friends and squadron mates to aircraft mishaps, the thrill of flying a 42,000 helicopter in combat spread formation over the desert…” These were only some of the memorable experiences Matthew Brackmann encountered during his time in service. He learned a great deal about leadership, discipline, and taking care of people, which benefitted his career at the FAA where he continues to apply lessons in risk management to his role in aviation safety. Now, he can reflect on how his and many other veterans’ service have helped the country.
Amy Naquin-Johnson — Air Force — Air Traffic Operations Air Traffic Services
“When you think of those who gave their life for us, for the very freedoms every day that we unknowingly at times take for granted, there can be no other sacrifice. How can we not honor the fallen and those who serve and continue to serve for our freedom?” Amy Naquin-Johnson learned about the selfless service that many have given to the country and followed her father into the path of the U.S. Air Force. In return, she found a venue to explore her passion for aviation and safety, understand the necessity for rules and regulations, and acquire a bond like no other with people she served with.
Christopher Sage — Air Force — AFN Enterprise Services Center
To Christopher Sage, everything in his life is owed to his experience in the Air Force. While the movie Top Gun was what got him interested in military aircraft, Christopher is thankful for the Air Force for expanding his career as well as leading him to establish his family. “The life experiences and leadership situations that you encounter in the military are unmatched in any other line of work. They teach you how to lead, inspire, and motivate people. I owe all of my success in this area to my experiences in observing outstanding leadership and putting it into practice.”
