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Opening General Session and Keynote Address - Sled Driver: Flying the World’s Fastest Jet

Tuesday, December 4th 2018 8:30 am - 10:00 am

Vendome Ballroom

Sponsored by: Commemorative Air Force

In the final days of the Viet Nam conflict, Brian Shul was shot down while flying a mission near the Cambodian border. Unable to eject, Shul was forced to crash land in the jungle. Although severely burned in the ensuing fireball, he survived, and was rescued by a Special Forces team. After one year in hospitals and 15 surgeries, he miraculously returned to flying jet aircraft, and culminated his Air Force career by flying the world’s fastest aircraft, the top secret Lockheed SR-71.Now an accomplished author, photographer and keynote speaker, Brian will share his inspiring story of triumph over tragedy and give us a glimpse of what it was like piloting an aircraft at 2,200 mph at altitudes exceeding 85,000 feet.

Following Shul's keynote presentation, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will announce their 2020 performance schedules, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will announce their 2019 performance schedule.