From crop duster to crowd pleaser

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Parie
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  Mississippi native Capt. George Clifford returned to the Magnolia State March 28 to perform at the Wings over Meridian Air Show.

"Its great being back in Mississippi and a great way to get the season started," Captain Clifford said "I had the opportunity to get some of my family out to see the show."

Captain Clifford's aerial ambitions began at a young age as the son of an agricultural pilot.

"I grew up in Hollandale, Miss., and got the opportunity to work with my dad for two years as an agricultural pilot," he said. "A friend of my dad's was a retired Air Force pilot and he talked to me about the things the Air Force could offer."

After completing college at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss., Captain Clifford earned his commission through Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB, Ala.

Captain Clifford completed specialized undergraduate pilot training at Columbus AFB as part of Class 00-02.

Following a series of assignments, which took him to Luke AFB, Ariz.; Hill AFB, Utah; Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii; and then back to Luke AFB, Captain Clifford earned a spot on as an F-16 demonstration pilot at Shaw AFB, S.C.

The goal of the team is to interact with the community for several reasons: to positively affect recruiting and retention; to demonstrate the tactical capabilities of Air Force fighter aircraft; to promote community relations; and to demonstrate the Air Force's professional competence enhancing the public's understanding of Air Force capabilities.

Captain Clifford's next appearance will be in Slidell, La., April 5. The team's complete schedule can be found http://www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/f16east/index.asp.

"The Air Force has a lot of opportunities for people and offers them a way to fulfill their dreams and serve their country at the same time," he said. "Always pursue your dreams of what you want to do and set yourself up for success."