HOF 1970 Major Ken Sampson
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Ken Sampson
Graduated from McEwen High School in 1970
was a member of FFA, serving as Reporter, Vice President and President
participated in speech contests, thespians
served on the student council
Played cornet in the Band and guitar in the Stage Band
his senior year he was chosen musician of the year
Began his college career at Columbia Basic College
earned his Associates degree in Agri-Chemical Business
graduated with a 3.93 gpa
Enlisted in the military
Joined the Army as an Armor Crewman & graduated top of his class
was assigned to an Armored Cavalry Squadron
was singled out to attend Officer Candidate School
graduated with honors, received his commission and became a tank commander
went on several deployments
decided to pursue another childhood dream which was to fly
applied for and was accepted to attend the US Army's Flight School in Fort Rucker Alabama
he went from commanding 52 ton battle tanks to flying Huey Helicopters
he also flew Blackhawks with the 101 Airborne Division, and Chinooks in Alaska on the Army's Elite High-Altitude Rescue Team
the unit he commanded established the world record for high altitude mountain rescue on Mt McKinley at over 20,000 ft
during his military service he attended numerous schools including Airborne at Fort Benning Georgia where he learned to jump from perfectly good airplanes, even jets
his military assignments took him to countries on three continents including several hot spots or police actions
had a military career that lasted 38 years
he retired with a rank of Major
He found time to complete a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduating with a 4.0
He has been a University professor and an instructor pilot
He has also been active in the communities and churches where he has lived
Married to wife Vickie and they have two children
He quoted: "The seeds of citizenship and of a Christian faith, planted by my parents, so many caring teachers and the Athena community leaders, germinated in me a deep love for God, for family and for my country. The love could only be demonstrated through service"
