Forum: General F-35 Forum

Flying to a dream Test pilot’s career was a vision for Pittston boy
By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com Times Leader Staff Writer

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Flying_ ... -2011.html

"...Rusnok was always fascinated with aircraft and flying – dreaming that one day he would be a pilot.

Fast forward some 25 years.....

...A graduate of Pittston Area High School, Rusnok was the second test pilot to perform a vertical landing on the USS Wasp’s flight deck....

...Rusnok Sr. said Maj. Rusnok became focused on becoming a pilot at age 9 and never let up. He said he told his parents he was going to attend the Naval Academy and he did.

“We thought he might change his dream, but he never did,” Rusnok said. “He stayed focused on what he wanted to do.”
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"Richard Rusnok Rank: Major, U.S. Marine Corps
Education: 1998 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; Bachelor of Science degree in history; commissioned a second lieutenant. Following graduation, he attended The George Washington University and was awarded a Master of Arts degree in history in January 1999.

Accomplishments: Personal decorations include the Air Medal with six Strike/Flight Awards, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device and Gold Star, and two Sea Service Deployment ribbons. Maj. Rusnok has accumulated over 1,700 flight hours in more than 20 different military aircraft, including the AV-8B, F/A-18, F-16, Mirage 2000D, and the F-35B/C...."

http://media.timesleader.com/images/300 ... 9KEI4B.jpg

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Forum: General F-35 Forum

First Deck Landing F-35B / USS Wasp