My life has been intertwined with hot air balloons for as long as I can remember. I still recall the thrill (and terror) of my very first tethered ride at just five years old. I was so frightened that I cried the entire time, clinging to the basket while my mother comforted me. Little did I know, that moment would spark a lifelong passion that would take me to incredible heights—both literally and figuratively!

Growing up in Indianola, Iowa, I had the unique opportunity to crew for a talented couple who shared their love of ballooning with me. The amazing Connie Austin, a skilled pilot, was not just a mentor but a true inspiration. While the adults supported her husband, Jim Christensen, I and the other kids had the privilege of assisting Connie. She instilled a deep understanding of the sport and fueled my enthusiasm. Sadly, when Connie passed away in 2004, it became a turning point in my life. I felt compelled to honor her legacy and obtained my pilot’s license, ensuring that her passion for ballooning lived on. Today, I still fly her last-built balloon, and I have her original balloon safely tucked away in storage, a cherished reminder of my beginnings.

As I became more confident in my ballooning abilities, I dove headfirst into the competitive side of the sport. I invested in a racer-style balloon, which took my skills to new heights—quite literally! In 2019, I embarked on an exhilarating journey flying multi-passenger balloons in the picturesque Temecula, California. During that year, I had the incredible opportunity to fly groups of up to 24 passengers, sharing the magic of ballooning with more people than I ever imagined.

In March 2021, after two decades of dedicated service in the United States Air Force, I made the transition to civilian life. I knew I wanted to continue my passion for ballooning, and in 2022, I signed an exciting corporate contract with Kampgrounds of America (KOA) as their chief pilot. This role allowed me to travel across the United States, participating in numerous events and spreading the joy of ballooning to everyone I met.

As we look forward to the future, my KOA contract is winding down, but that hasn’t slowed me down one bit! Alongside the Warren family, I have co-founded a pilot training flight school at the Aviation Ranch in Cordele, Georgia, where I now serve as a full-time instructor. This venture allows me to share my knowledge and passion for ballooning with aspiring pilots, and I couldn’t be more excited.

My family has been my unwavering support throughout this journey. My wonderful wife, Erika, a registered nurse, has joined me in the skies by crewing for my flights. Our 17-year-old son, Hunter, is diligently working toward completing his private pilot license, and our 15-year-old daughter, Brook, also helps out as a crew member. Watching them embrace the world of ballooning alongside me fills my heart with joy and pride.

From my first tethered ride to soaring through the skies as a pilot, my journey in ballooning has been nothing short of extraordinary. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences, the lessons learned, and the people I’ve met along the way. As I continue to grow in this beautiful sport, I am eager to inspire the next generation of balloonists, ensuring that the legacy of those who came before me—especially Connie—lives on. Let’s take to the skies together!