SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
1st Lt. Clark Follansbee,
90th Flying Training Squadron, T-38 instructor pilot and native of Parker,
Colorado, has been in the Air Force for three years and is the Instructor of
the Week at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for the week of Aug. 1-7, 2017.
Most significant accomplishments:
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Earning Bachelor’s degree.
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Commissioning in the U.S. Air Force.
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Finishing pilot training with the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot
Training (ENJJPT) program and earning his wings.
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Graduating pilot instructor training.
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Receiving Most Valuable Instructor Pilot for class
17-03.
Airman’s story:
“I was born in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where my father
launched missiles off the coast as a space and missiles officer,” Follansbee
said. “Watching my father’s intense dedication to his country, and growing up
in a military family I knew from a young age I wanted to join the Air Force. After
graduating high school I attended the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) where I
earned my commission and graduated as a member of the class of 2014. Upon
graduating, I earned a pilot training slot at ENJJPT and graduated as a member
of class 16-04. I am now assigned to the 90th Flying Training Squadron as a First
Assignment Instructor Pilot where I have the privilege of training NATO’s elite
to become the next generation of fighter pilots.”
Supervisor comments:
“1st Lt. “Pasti”
Follansbee has been a tremendous asset to the Boxin’ Bears since April 2016,”
said Lt. Col. Andreas Hauke, 90th FTS commander. “He is a natural instructor
pilot and his work ethic has earned him a consistent spot in the top 10 percent
of all instructor pilots for sortie and runway supervisory unit
production. As a flight scheduler, he is responsible for scheduling more
than 4,200 flights, simulator training sessions, and academic events for 22
student pilots annually.
“In addition to his
primary duties, Follansbee has stepped up to be the point of contact (POC) for numerous
wing and squadron events,” Hauke said. “He showcased the U.S. Air Force airpower
to 70,000 viewers by leading
a T-38 flyover of the INDY Grand Prix. As the 90th information technology equipment custodian,
Follansbee ensured squadron connectivity by maintaining accountability for more
than $133,000 of equipment. Harkening back to his Academy roots, he also
organized familiarization flights for 11 USAFA cadets.”
“Follansbee’s professionalism, skill, and attitude have contributed
greatly to the overall success of the squadron,” Hauke continued. “His
dedication to the mission and selflessness have set an example for student
pilots and even his peers to follow.”