Soaring Eagle Foundation
Mission | Values | History
Our mission is to educate and empower veterans by providing necessary training to obtain glider pilot certification.
Each two-day Flight Academy comprises a half-day classroom session discussing aerodynamics, weather and glider flying procedures. Students and FAA-approved instructors fly for the rest of that day and the following day. Thanks to the support of our partners, we’re able to offer Flight Academy at no cost to veterans. If a veteran elects to continue toward an FAA Glider Pilot license, training costs are shared.
Since its inception in 2012, the Soaring Eagle Foundation has given wounded and physically disabled veterans the opportunity to explore this exhilarating world of aviation. Though our program, we provide a unique and rewarding experience for the men and women who have bravely served our country.
Soaring Eagle Foundation is a 501(C)3 non-profit registered in the state of Colorado.
Board of Directors
Our board collectively served more than 85 years in our armed services.
Randy Rothe
President
A founding member of Soaring Eagle, Randy graduated from the USAF Academy in 1977. As an AF Reserve pilot, he flew C-130s during Desert Shield, advised the Rocky Mountain Civil Air Patrol, and was a sailplane instructor pilot at the USAF Academy. A United pilot and instructor since 1989, he is currently an A320 captain.
Bob Chapman
Vice President
Bob, a founding member of Soaring Eagle, graduated from the USAF Academy in 1984. On active duty and as a reserve member, he has flown the C-130 and UV-18 Twin Otter. A United pilot and instructor since 1995, Bob is currently a B-777 first officer.
Jenny Rothe
Secretary/Treasurer
Jenny enlisted in the USAF after high school, reconciling Air Force Stock Fund reporting systems, accounting for Investment Equipment Funds and certifying fund availability for commitments and obligations, and supervising enlisted and civilian personnel. Currently an office manager, Jenny volunteers with bookkeeping and administration.
Stewart McQuillan
Director
A former Royal Air Force engineer and pilot, Stewart spent most of his military career with a front line Squadron. After an accident paralyzed him from the waist down, he learned to fly a glider using hand controls. At the request of King Hussein of Jordan, Stewart worked with the British Army Air Corps to develop a system for individuals with spinal cord injuries to fly helicopters. He later met Randy and moved to the U.S. to help launch Soaring Eagle.
Chris Rothe
Director
Chris started flying gliders with the Civil Air Patrol, earning his glider instructor rating at 16. A graduate of Metro State University, he joined the Air Force Reserve as a C-130 Aircraft Commander and instructor at Peterson AFB, transferring to the Academy in 2014 as a soaring instructor. Currently, he flies Airbus A-319/320s for United, and is a USAF Reserve evaluato and an instructor for the Academy soaring racing team.
Mark Dickerson
Director
A former fighter and test pilot for the USAF, Mark flew more than 60 types of aircraft during his 25-year career. He holds a BS in Engineering Physics from Cornell, an MS in Aeronautical Engineering from Stanford, and an MBA from Regis. A graduate and former Deputy Commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School, he is an Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Mark is a tow pilot, glider flight instructor, disaster-preparedness volunteer, and adjunct faculty at Colorado Technical University.
Jim Pederson
Director
A former Royal Air Force engineer and pilot, Stewart spent most of his military career with a front line Squadron. After an accident paralyzed him from the waist down, he learned to fly a glider using hand controls. At the request of King Hussein of Jordan, Stewart worked with the British Army Air Corps to develop a system for individuals with spinal cord injuries to fly helicopters. He later met Randy and moved to the U.S. to help launch Soaring Eagle.
Jim Pressley
Director
Tom was a faculty member at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for over twenty years. He has developed numerous courses and reviewed degree programs. In aviation, Tom has helped organize regional and national soaring competitions. Now in semi-retirement, he continues to teach cardiovascular physiology to pre-clinical medical students and basic flight skills to student glider pilots.
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