Heritage of Freedom features former fighter pilot

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Green-Lanchoney
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  A former F-4 Phantom and F-15 Strike Eagle fighter pilot is the scheduled guest speaker during the next Heritage of Freedom event at the Hanscom Conference Center July 17 at 2:30 p.m.

Retired Air Force Col. Kris Mineau is one of the few pilots in the world to have survived a supersonic ejection, from which he sustained massive injuries requiring numerous surgeries during a six-year recovery.

Mineau flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam in the 1960s. After his in-flight ejection from an F-4 in 1969, and subsequent recovery, Mineau went on to fly F-15s until 1984.

He will speak about his experience as a fighter pilot, his recovery and about his career in the Air Force.

"Colonel Mineau has a really great story that highlights the importance of team work and family," said Bobby Jacques, Hanscom Executive Services director and event organizer.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Air Medal with nine oak leaf clusters.

The Heritage of Freedom series is a free event that features speakers who discuss their experiences serving in combat or while deployed. Presentations are followed by short question and answer periods.

The entire Hanscom community is welcome at this informal event. Free refreshments and beverages will be provided. For further information about Heritage of Freedom, contact Jacques at 781-225-1333.