Joseph Gano (1942-2022)- . He combined distinguished military service, business success, and a lifelong passion for aviation to leave a lasting mark on Delaware's aviation community. A Harvard graduate, U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and successful entrepreneur, he founded Warbirds of Delaware and became a nationally recognized supporter of military aviation history and jet racing. His aircraft earned multiple championships at the Reno Air Races, including setting a speed record with the legendary L-39 Pipsqueak, while his collection of historic military aircraft was regularly displayed at airshows and made available to support Department of Defense training. Through his dedication to preserving and promoting aviation, Joe inspired countless pilots and enthusiasts, leaving a legacy that continues to be celebrated throughout Delaware and beyond.
Duane Brown- Commercial/private pilot with extensive flight experience in the local Mid-Atlantic and Delaware airspace network (including affiliations with regional operations like AeroWays in Middletown, DE) : He has decades of practical flight background spanning thousands of hours in both rotary-wing (helicopters) and fixed-wing aircraft.
Dave Johnson Sr. - Affectionately known as “Senior,” has dedicated more than 48 years to aircraft maintenance, earning a reputation as one of Delaware's most respected aviation maintenance professionals. During his career at Summit Aviation, he has overseen maintenance and modification programs for military, government, law enforcement, and general aviation aircraft, while developing extensive expertise across a wide range of aircraft types and advanced avionics systems. As a Fixed Wing Maintenance Supervisor, Dave has consistently demonstrated exceptional technical skill, leadership, and professionalism, ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability. His unwavering commitment to excellence has helped protect countless pilots and passengers and has made a lasting impact on Delaware's aviation community.
Lt. Col. Valerie M. Knight, USAF is a Delaware native whose passion for aviation began growing up near Dover Air Force Base and led to an extraordinary career in the United States Air Force. A graduate of POLYTECH High School and Norwich University, she has spent more than 18 years flying the MC-130H Talon II and MC-130J Commando II with Air Force Special Operations Command, accumulating more than 3,500 flight hours, including over 750 combat hours. A graduate of the prestigious U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Lt. Col. Knight has led combat and special operations missions around the world, pioneered the first overseas operational employment of the palletized Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) from an MC-130J, and earned numerous decorations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Aerial Achievement Medals, and seven Air Medals. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to mentoring future aviators, returning to Delaware to inspire students while exemplifying the professionalism, leadership, and innovation that make her one of the state's most accomplished military aviators
Woody Gilger - Began flying in 1994 with older Bell UH-1 "Huey" helicopters before transitioning to modern Army aircraft platforms. Chief Warrant Officer 4, serving as the senior instructor pilot for the MEDEVAC Unit with Charlie Company, 126th Aviation Company. In 2025, Gilger celebrated achieving 6,000 total flight hours after 31 years of flying and 34 total years of service.
Leroy Coard Simpler (1905–1988) - was a pioneering naval aviator and Delaware native whose distinguished 30-year career helped shape the evolution of U.S. Naval Aviation. Born near Milton and educated in Lewes before attending the U.S. Naval Academy, he earned his wings in 1931 and flew some of the Navy's earliest carrier and airship-based aircraft, including the Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawk aboard the USS Macon. During World War II, he commanded Fighting Squadron Five (VF-5) in the Solomon Islands, earning the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism and leadership in combat. He later commanded the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, held numerous senior aviation leadership positions, and retired as a Rear Admiral in 1959.
