That Day - A Pilot Was Born

PANAMA CITY, FL – Luke Johnson was born in Anchorage, Alaska, on Elmendorf AFB, but the family soon escaped the cold and moved to Georgia, to Moody AFB. There, at about age four, he experienced the Thunderbirds and many other loud sounds and exciting aircraft flying all around, landing and taking off, effortlessly going hundreds of miles an hour. That day, a pilot was born.

In seventh grade, now at March AFB, Luke joined Civil Air Patrol (CAP), taking his first flight in a Cessna 172.  He piloted the plane for a while but couldn’t land or take off.  About this first flight Luke said, “Being able to turn it was really cool. I was amazed to see how small the world was.” His father, CMSgt Dillon Johnson, who is Luke’s hero, said that when Luke landed, “I remember the look on his face. He was hooked on aviation at that point. That really ignited the passion that he already had at 12 years old.”  CAP gave him leadership experience, taught him about teamwork, and pushed himself to improve his physical health.  

After moving to Panama City, Luke built his military performance (MPA) by becoming part of JROTC in 8th grade and is continuing into his senior year.  He built his academic transcript (GPA) by taking AP World History and pre-IB classes. He built his physical performance (PFA) by playing baseball when he was younger, as a first baseman, then in high school started running cross country and golfing.

Luke built his leadership skills by becoming Rutherford’s school Historian last year, making sure meeting notes were saved, and keeping the presentation for high school alumni always ready should they visit and want to be updated.  After serving as Historian, he was elected as Rutherford’s Student Government President and JROTC Cadet Corps Commander.

Luke has his sights on the Air Force Academy which he visited this year during Summer Seminar for Rising Seniors and is committed to being an Air Force Pilot.  He looks like a natural fit for military life, growing up with a passion for the military, always learning.  His favorite subject is military history, with JROTC a close second.  This interest was stimulated by watching military movies like Saving Private Ryan and The Longest Day while growing up.  He also loves World War II history and movies and does research into World War II battle logistics, technologies, and how the Second World War impacted the world today.  He then went deeper into what led into World War I, the Civil War and the American Revolutionary War. 

Luke liked to tag along with his father to work and walk out on the flight line to see A-10s closeup, while out of the hangers. He is fascinated by the technology behind aircraft and seeing machines that empower a human to fly so high at mind-blowing speeds.  He wants to be up there in the wild blue yonder!

As an Air Force Pilot. Off you go!