Alumni Spotlight – Jeffrey Hill ‘97

On July 28, 2010, Captain Jeffrey Hill, USAF was killed when the aircraft he was co-piloting crashed on a training mission in Alaska, leaving behind a wife, two small sons, and more friends than could be counted. A member of the Class of 1997, he was a Warrior in every way, and his story is an inspiration.

His family moved to New Freedom when he was in 7^th grade because of his father’s job. He played football in high school but that was the extent of his activity outside the classroom. “For Jeff, the most memorable part of high school was the camaraderie of his friends and the people he met,” says wife Rachael. “To be honest, high school for him wasn’t about academics, but about people.”

Jeff graduated from Susquehannock, but barely. He was a very intelligent and capable student, but to the frustration of his teachers and guidance counselor, he never applied himself. He joined the Air Force because he didn’t want to go to college and was looking for something else out of high school.

But Rachael points out, “It isn’t always about the reason that you join, but about the reason you stay.” Jeff developed a deep sense of pride about wearing the uniform and committed to it as his life’s work. He started as an electrician on F-15’s and as he learned more about the world and the Force’s role in it, the deeper his pride became.

Jeff met Rachael in Technical Training School at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas and they married soon after. She was also in the Air Force, but resigned to follow his career. They both fell in love with Alaska during Jeff’s first tour as a technician at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

As they started their life together and began to raise a family, Jeff made some very important decisions about his life’s direction. It wasn’t about whether he would stay in the Air Force, but what he would do in it. And he decided if he was going to commit, he would commit all the way.

He decided to fly.

Jeff had earned an Associate’s Degree in Aircraft Systems Maintenance from the Community College of the Air Force, but a pilot needs a bachelor’s degree. So in 1999, he enrolled in the University of Alaska, and joined its Air Force ROTC program. Rachael remembers those days, “It was tough working full-time during the day and going to school 3-4 hours every night, with homework on top of that,” she said.

But Jeff had a passion for what he was doing. He graduated in 2002 with a B.S. in Technology, was recognized Cum Laude, and granted a commission for his achievements. He eventually became the first cadet from his Air Force ROTC detachment to earn the coveted pilot wings.

Rachael’s message about that time is clear and one she loves to tell. “Jeff loved the Air Force, he loved being a pilot, and he was proud of what he accomplished. He found his niche and loved it. It wasn’t easy and he sacrificed a lot, but he made it.”

Then Lieutenant Hill was assigned to flight school at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi and graduated first in his class.  His skill and hard work was so impressive that he was asked to stay on as a flight instructor and, at age 25, he was given the responsibility for training a new generation of Air Force pilots.

Jeff completed a three-year tour at Columbus AFB, and was assigned to oversee a new C-17 (transport) squadron in Alaska in 2007. The posting brought with it a promotion to Captain.

Jeff was an exceptional pilot and during his C-17 career was personally responsible for many missions supporting both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He piloted Elmendorf’s first plane into Haiti during the earthquake relief effort in January, bringing critical humanitarian supplies to the region. Jeff also delivered much-needed equipment to aid in the oil spill cleanup effort in the Gulf of Mexico.

In a tribute by Jeff’s Air Force colleagues, this testimonial was given. “Jeff was truly a professional of the highest caliber. He  tackled every day of his life with enthusiasm, a great attitude, a smile, and a little witty sarcasm. He was an absolute joy to be around. His personality was infectious and drew people to him. He gave his life in support of his country and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, co-workers and everyone fortunate enough to know him”

Rachael remains in Alaska, studying for a Master’s Degree in Human Nutrition. She started the Jeff Hill Legacy Fund  as a tribute to her husband. The fund helps Air Force ROTC cadets with scholarship funding, perhaps helping someone with a life story similar to Jeff’s.

Part of his legacy is a message Rachael carries to high school seniors. “To me, he is the ultimate success story and is a great example for high school kids to follow. Not everyone knows where they want to go out of high school and there is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes you find it later on, somewhere you never really expected.”

Thank you Jeffrey Hill, Class of 1997, for making us Warrior Proud.