Joe Lea

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joe Lea graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1967, then served for 30 years as a fighter pilot, including three tours flying F4 Phantoms in Vietnam, earning four distinguished Flying Crosses and 21 Air Medals.

In 1991, Lea begain flying for United Airlines, serving as captain from 1998-2003.  On Sept. 11, 2001, he was enroute from Sacramento to Los Angeles when the orders were given to clear U.S. airspace, and his was one of the last planes to land.