Colonel (Ret.) Edward Garland is a highly decorated F-4 pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours and has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters. During the Vietnam War, Garland’s F-4 was the first to be shot down by an air-to-air missile. Garland also served as a flight instructor with the 12th Flying Training Wing and after retirement, as Vice Commander and briefly as Wing Commander of 433rd Airlift Wing in the Air Force Reserves. The Wing provided worldwide airlift support, flying C-124Cs, then C-130Bs, and later the C-5A.
Edward Garland has served his country in many capacities and all with distinction. He is motivated each day by his love of God, his family, his country and his Air Force.