The title says it all. He flies a 170, flew a F15, now flies for the Patriot Jet Team and is one of us...BUT...he has a story that only a few have...

After meeting him in Reno this weekend I was truly inspired to hear more about his story that I personally find, just amazing.

Jon Counsell, call sign "Jughead" has a real flying story. I came home from the races that day and googled, searched and continued to search to find really not that much on him, but then this am, out of pure infectious inspiration (I would give anything to fly a fast jet like the F15) I found this article on his story.

He bailed out of his F15 at around 730mph (thats around mach 1.3 or 1.4)...

The story gets even better with the recovery, self conviction etc. If your into flying or self motivation this is a very good short read. Check it out. This gentleman needs to be our presenter at JC next year! He can come heli-skiing anytime he wants in my book!

It was my pleasure to meet him!

Scroll down to the story "Out of the woods"
http://www.torch.aetc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090429-107.pdf

AKT

Been awhile since I've seen that article. I've know Jughead for years, since he showed up at Elmendorf where I was one of his crew chiefs on the Eagle. One helluva guy and pilot, and more determination than nearly anyone I've ever met. The other stuff I can't tell you until I'm drunk, but I'll never forget Jughead in cowboy boots, hat, flight suit, in my jet! Haha! I've been lucky to work with him even after Elmendorf at airshows around the country, and the coolest was probably when we both were back at Elmendorf for a show. It was like a homecoming, he was the voice and face of the show, and I got to jump onto the ramp I slaved away on all those years ago. Great guy, great leader, and as Kevin says, very inspirational! And he recently retired from the USAF, thanks again for your service brother!

Hurry up and finish up with work stuff Jughead and get over here to Colorado, first rounds on me!

I just met Jughead at Reno too and Joey told me a little bit about what he had been through but it was so interesting to read all about it!

Steve

Great read. Glad you weren't pretzeled, Jughead!

Awesome read!!

Reminds me of my friend Doug Henry. Never, never give up!!

Those of you that know of Doug Henry's past, I was just saw him at our last event in New Jersey and I was amazed to see him walking with crutches! Truly an amazing guy, too!

Dave, Kevin and all the BCP's I met at Reno, thanks for the great hospitality! I wish we could have talked more but what a crazy fun, busy weekend.

In regards to my history. Yes I am a very lucky man. But always remember it took a great Air Force team and many supportive family and friends to achieve what I have since that exciting day. Also remember that there are dozens of soldiers from the last 10 years of fighting that have faced far great challenges and hurdles.

That being said I can't wait to get my house in Del Rio Tx sold so I can get my -170 back to Washington and be able to join you all at Johnson Creek, where I would love to share my story. The story has been told in dozens of forums, two TV shows and way to many bars to remember, but a BCP fly-in would top them all. Members can always PM me for more info.

Jughead

jugheadF15 wrote:That being said I can't wait to get my house in Del Rio Tx sold...

Hmm, maybe I could try to get a bunch of my kids that are heading that way talked into buying it.... Of course, IFS is about to have a hick-up so we'll see...glad I'm not there to experience it!

Jughead,

Great to hear that you may be headed back this way - I look forward to possibly seeing you at JC!

BCP's - Jughead and I were Daedalian members of Flight 93 Gunfighters at Mountain Home AFB. I had the good fortune to know Jon and listen to his incredible story/presentation first-hand at one of our monthly Daedalian meetings.

Truly amazing and inspirational.

-Ross Parton
Meridian, ID

I thought I had it tuff, articles like this bring me back to reality.

I always thought are armed forces were amazing. Then I spent some time in Afghanistan, now I know are armed forces are as bad ass as they come.

jugheadF15 wrote:That being said I can't wait to get my house in Del Rio Tx sold so I can get my -170 back to Washington and be able to join you all at Johnson Creek

Jughead,

When you eventually make it back to WA state, where are planning to hang your hat?

Mike-

Yep, Jon is a good guy. Met him a year ago in Del Rio while my son was stationed there. Down to earth and personable....hope to eventually cross paths one day in the future.
Hope you got your house sold and out of that barren place.
Keith

WWhunter wrote:Yep, Jon is a good guy. Met him a year ago in Del Rio while my son was stationed there. Down to earth and personable....hope to eventually cross paths one day in the future.
Hope you got your house sold and out of that barren place.
Keith

Keith (and Jon),

Here's a few photos (out of the roughly 2000 I shot) of the training aircraft at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX while on a week-long assignment with the U.S. Air Force Art Program in August of 2011. I was there to document the mission and history of Laughlin AFB and the flight training program.



Texan two-step



Primary training in the T-6 Texan II



T-38C taxi out



T-38C tarmac



T-1 Jayhawk on the roll



Strapping in for my T-6 familiarization flight

"This gentleman needs to be our presenter at JC next year! He can come heli-skiing anytime he wants in my book!

It was my pleasure to meet him!

Scroll down to the story "Out of the woods"
http://www.torch.aetc.af.mil/shared/med ... 29-107.pdf

AKT"

AKT

What would think about me giving this presentation at High Sierra this year? Give me a call or email to discuss. Enjoy the last of the ski season.

Jughead

Kevin, if this works out keep in mind what I have available if the need arises.
Just when we all felt that it couldn't get much better.

chance wrote:Kevin, if this works out keep in mind what I have available if the need arises.
Just when we all felt that it couldn't get much better.

Chance, anything you would be willing to share with me in a PM?

Jughead