Incentive Flight Program

Published Oct. 14, 2008

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Capt. Donald E. Lofton Jr., 52nd Medical Support Squadron, prepares to take an incentive flight Oct. 6, 2008. Captain Lofton earned his incentive flight for his selection as Wing Company Grade Officer of the Quarter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Staci Miller)

Name: Capt. Donald E. Lofton Jr.

Unit: 52 Medical Support Squadron

Duty title: TRICARE operations and patient administration flight commander

Hometown: Tacoma, Wash.

Years in Service: 5 1/2

Why joined: The Air Force is in my blood (my father is a 30 year U.S. Air Force retiree), and I had to do my part in serving my country.

Family: My beautiful wife, Kristy, my two awesome sons, Zachary and Jacob, and my big 'ol hound dog, Zeke

Hobbies: Travel, sports, Boy Scouts, church activities and time with my family.

Favorite aspect of job: Ability to interact with patients and medical professionals while helping our Airmen and their families.

Most memorable AF experience: Working at Keesler Air Force Base following Hurricane Katrina. There were many challenges with living and working in that environment, but I saw the base and a new medical facility take shape and knowing that I played a key role in that process is very rewarding.

Favorite part of F-16 flight: The whole experience was awesome, but the best part was getting a chance to fly the jet at afterburner while making turns and rolls.

Previous flying experience: Space-A ??? on a KC-135 Stratotanker and C-17 Globemaster.

What award earned the flight: Wing Company Grade Officer of the Quarter

Any advice to future fliers or advice received before flight: Think about all the things you want to do in the jet and let the pilot know. They are great and want to show you what the F-16 Fighting Falcon can do. Eat something light before you go. Sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. Soak it up!

Description of experience: How do you describe one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime? My pilot "Gloc" was great! He showed me the abilities of the jet. We did a loop, barrel rolls, aileron rolls, an Emelman turn, a couple of approaches and just went super fast. I am sure there was a lot more, but I am still floating and trying to soak up the whole thing. I gained a much better appreciation of what our pilots are expected to do while flying, fighting and winning. I am more impressed with the flying community than I have ever been. Thank you for the opportunity!

Supervisor and DSN: Lt Col Michael D. Lovering, 452-3190