Dale Stark - A-10 Pilot and Rancher

Dale Stark is a recently retired A-10 Pilot and veteran of over 20+ years. He flew combat missions during multiple deployments to Afghanistan and finished his service to country instructing for the Air Force in Tucson, Arizona before returning home and retiring to Oregon. Growing up in a small town and moving from home to home, Dale didn't necessarily take the traditional route to becoming a pilot of one of the most revered and desired combat aircraft in America's military history. After leaving college the first time, Dale found himself as a maintainer for the C-17 with the goal of becoming a pilot, but not just any pilot; he wanted to fly "The Hog". Armed with a renewed sense of purpose, Dale committed himself to returning to school just before 9/11 and earned his way into the cockpit of the A-10 where he would go on to fly throughout his career executing Close Air Support (CAS) missions in Afghanistan. Upon retiring, he returned to his home in Oregon where his wife and children currently raise ducks, cattle and llamas. Dale has a great American story and how he found his way in the military will speak to many GWOT era veterans. Grab a glass!