From Military Service to Flight Training: Honoring Veterans at LIFT Academy

In honor of Veterans Day on November 11, we are proud to spotlight two remarkable individuals whose journeys epitomize dedication, resilience, and a deep-rooted sense of service. Both have served with distinction in the United States Air Force and beyond, bringing their wealth of values and experience to LIFT Academy, where they inspire the next generation of pilots.

A Legacy of Service

Greg Gilroy, our Director of Flight Operations at LIFT Academy’s Myrtle Beach campus, grew up in Pennsylvania, inspired by his father, a State Trooper and Navy submarine veteran. “He is my hero,” Greg told us. Driven by a similar call to serve, he joined the Air Force, where he flew the A-7 Corsair II and the iconic A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog.” His military career took him on a journey from Louisiana to Arizona, Nevada, Germany and Korea, with highlights including commanding a squadron at the USAF Fighter Weapons School for the A-10.

After retiring from the Air Force, Greg flew for Delta Air Lines for 22 years, flying everything from the MD-88 to the B-777. During his time there, he held key managerial roles and was notably the first management pilot in the industry to become a Federal Flight Deck Officer after 9/11. Within a year of joining the LIFT Academy team, he led the growth of our Myrtle Beach operation from 40 students and 7 instructors to over 200 students and 55 instructors, helping to create a thriving community of future pilots.

His colleague, Will Sparrow, our Director of Flight Operations in Tuskegee, brings his own profound story. A retired Air Force and Air National Guard F-16 pilot, he joined LIFT after an eight-year stint with FedEx. A dedicated family man, he also co-founded the Red Tail Scholarship Foundation in Tuskegee, Alabama, creating pathways for underserved youth to pursue aviation. This commitment to mentoring young people in the aviation world led him to his role at LIFT, where he continues to support students in achieving their dreams, and we are proud to have him on board to lead our newest operations at the historic site of the Tuskegee Airmen.

What Veterans Day Means to Them

For both, Veterans Day holds deep personal significance. For Will, “Veterans Day is a reminder to thank my wife for all her sacrifices during those days. The spouse who stays home when the military member is deployed bears a great workload and must be very strong in many ways.” He shares that his wife, Melanie, was strong and capable, noting that he would not have been able to do his job without her. “I [also] thank the good people who appreciate our military. It was an honor to serve, and I would do it over again without hesitation.”

Greg shares a similar sense of honor and dedicates Veterans Day to remembering family and friends who served. “Both of my grandfathers, all of my uncles on both sides, my wife, her father, and my stepson served our nation.” Each veteran he encounters embodies the spirit of his own family.

LIFT Academy’s Commitment to Veterans

At LIFT, both directors have championed initiatives to support veterans. LIFT Academy is owned by Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. and offers a defined pathway to a career at Republic Airways. As part of Republic and LIFT’s efforts to honor veterans and offer resources, the RVET Connect Business Resource Group (BRG) was created. With so many veterans among LIFT’s student base, staff and instructors, Greg is dedicated to finding meaningful ways to support them. “RVET Connect is a great way to recognize our fellow employees who have served,” Greg shared, and is committed to building connections and community for veterans at LIFT.

Will sees LIFT’s mission as mutually beneficial, saying, “LIFT offers a pathway to one of the greatest jobs anyone could ever have and one that spreads hope and excitement in our country.” His deep commitment to mentoring young people in aviation landed him his role at LIFT, where he now leads our newest operations at the historic training site of the Tuskegee Airmen, Moton Airfield. We’re honored to have him on our team, supporting students as they pursue their dreams and carrying forward a legacy of inspiration and opportunity.

Translating Military Values to Civilian Aviation

Both Greg and Will emphasize how values from military service seamlessly transfer to the aviation industry. Greg experienced this himself, sharing, “The aviation industry, like the military, requires similar competencies and dedication. The skills the military emphasizes – leadership, integrity, teamwork and hard work toward a common purpose – translate seamlessly. At LIFT Academy we energetically strive to instill those values in our future airline captains.” Will adds that learning to be a supportive follower and effective leader are invaluable skills that serve LIFT’s mission well. “The flying aspect of the mission just makes it even more rewarding.”

Advice for Veterans Considering Aviation Careers

To veterans interested in aviation, the advice is simple. “Start your journey,” Greg said. Will added, “Do it!” LIFT Academy offers accessible pathways for veterans, starting even from zero flying experience and leading to airline careers, helping them leverage their military skills in an exciting and growing industry.

This Veterans Day, we honor both of these exceptional leaders and all those who have served, acknowledging their sacrifices and the invaluable skills they bring to aviation. We are incredibly fortunate to have them on the LIFT team, inspiring our community and helping veterans and aspiring pilots soar to new heights.