Capt. Coonan was a career naval officer spending 30 years associated with carrier aviation as a single-seat jet pilot. During this time he accumulated in excess of 5,000 flight hours (including over 3,000 in the A-7 aircraft) and 1,000 carrier arrested landings. His assignments included six commands, among which were squadron, Carrier Air Wing and “deep draft” ship command. While commanding VA-15, Capt. Coonan was selected as the first East Coast recipient of the VADM James Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership. His most significant assignment was as Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier, USS America (CV-66). Capt. Coonan retired from active duty in 1996 and is currently the Director of Education for the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation.
jjcoonan@nfacademy.org
Sam is a retired Naval Aviator with 26 years of service. Following his military career, Sam taught middle school in the public school system for eleven years, the last three as a Teacher on Special Assignment for the Flight Adventure Deck program. Sam has been the FAD coordinator since late 2006. Sam is a graduate of the California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, with a B.S. in Food Technology. He recieved his MBA from the University of North Florida.
sshilling@nfacademy.org
Glenn has taught Science for 27 years and is currently a Teacher on Special Assignment with Santa Rosa County. Glenn has been assigned to Flight Adventure Deck for the past three years. She recieved her B.S. from Wilmington College and her MEd from Columbus State University.
grutland@nfacademy.org
Sandra has taught mathematics and science at the middle school level for 22 years. For four and a half years, she has been privileged to be the Teacher on Special Assignment for the Escambia County School District for the Flight Adventure Deck. Sandra received a B.S. from Millsaps College and an M.S. from the Florida State University.
sporras@nfacademy.org
Matt graduated from the University of West Florida in 2007, majoring in Telecommunications. Per the Department of Education, Matt serves as operator of the Interactive Technology Center (ITC) and produces much of the media work and creative services for the office.
mvickers@nfacademy.org