Captain Van T. Thai Chief, Tanker Current Operations/KC-135 Instructor Pilot; 18th Operations Support Squadron, United States Air Force Kadena Air Base, Japan

Captain Van T. Thai is a mobility instructor pilot assigned to the 18th Operations Support Squadron (OSS), Kadena Air Base (AB), Okinawa, Japan. Captain Thai was born in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1976. Captain Thai and his family became naturalized U.S. citizens in 1990 after immigrating to the United States from Vietnam in 1983 and settled in Oklahoma City, OK. Captain Thai has exhibited superior leadership and has accomplished several outstanding achievements during his military service. Captain Thai epitomizes responsible citizenship and he has an endless commitment to this country.

Captain Thai attended Westmoore High School where he took on many leadership roles and then went on to attend the United States Air Force Academy. Captain Thai entered undergraduate pilot training (UPT) and continued to excel. Operationally, he deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom and executed POTUS/SECDEF-directed missions and was awarded an aerial achievement medal for his skillful flying in a hostile environment. Captain Thai finished his first graduate degree in economics and is working on his second graduage degree in international relations. Captain Thai is an outstanding officer that excels at his duties and strives to seek out opportunities to enrich himself and the community.