Eagle Scout and MMI Preparatory School alum Capt. John Driscoll stands out for a number of reasons, but chief among them is the courage and diligence he’s demonstrated while serving our country.

At 29 years old, John has accomplished more than many do in a lifetime. He graduated from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering before becoming a pilot with the United States Air Force. He knows how to fly four different types of aircraft, each distinguished for their intricacy and sophistication: the DA-20, the T-6A, the T-1A, and, notably, the RC-135, a reconnaissance aircraft praised for its ability to gather intelligence on-scene and conduct analyses and dissemination.

John has also led 97 missions in the United States and international airspace, helmed crews of 30+ aviators on high-priority contingency and sensitive recon operations, supplied over 76 hours of aerial support from the Royal Air Force Base in England prior to and during the invasion of Ukraine, and co-piloted the last US-manned flight in Ukrainian airspace before the country was invaded on February 22, 2023. To date, he has accrued 166 combat flight hours and 1,742 total flight hours. He’s also served as the primary decision-maker during missions, emergencies, and mission planning.

And yet, one of the most significant moments in Capt. Driscoll’s time with the United States Air Force occurred when he was deployed to Crete. He not only flew 22 sorties over the Black Sea but also diverted a US Navy E-3 aircraft with damaged landing gear and low fuel, helping it land safely and saving 27 aviators and a $550 million US military asset in the process. For this, he was awarded the 2021 Air Combat Command Flight Line Annual Safety Award.

John is also the recipient of a Meritorious Unit Award, an Air and Space Commendation Medal, an Aerial Achievement Medal (three times), and an Air Medal. Still, his humility is almost as substantial as his vast experience: when his father learned that he was awarded the 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron Pilot of the Year in 2023, John responded that it had “slipped his mind” to tell his parents about it.

Now, the young pilot and notable leader is scheduled to return to Laughlin AFB, Texas, where he’ll share his knowledge and gifts as an instructor to the next generation of pilots. Given his new role and accomplishments, it’s no wonder he’s ranked in the top 7% of his peers.