Songbird Shenanigans

Biographie de Shannon Cruz

My journey began in January 1994 when I joined the Air Force, initially aiming to become a Pararescue. However, I later transitioned to become a Terminal Attack Control Party (TACP) airman. After rigorous training at Hurlburt Field, Florida, including physical fitness tests, I graduated with Honors and was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. There, I attended survival school, airborne school, and air assault school.
Over time, I experienced Permanent Change of Station (PCS) assignments to Korea and Pope Air Force Base, where I undertook the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) course and supported the 82nd Airborne. My journey included training in military jumps, becoming a Special Operations Forces (SOF) JTAC, and serving in various Special Forces Groups. I later transitioned to Fort Lewis, Washington, as a JTAC Instructor and completed a Military Free Fall Jump Master Course.
My career took me to Yuma Proving Grounds, AZ, as a Free Fall Instructor. Transitioning to the Texas Army National Guard, I became a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in Austin, Texas, and joined the TX parachute demonstration team. Subsequently, I attended Army flight school at Fort Rucker. In March 2014, I retired from the Army after nearly 21 years of service, having earned multiple awards and completing nine combat deployments.
Post-retirement, I pursued a civilian aviation career, accumulating over 3, 700 flight hours as both a helicopter and airplane pilot. My educational journey included an associate degree and a Bachelor of Science degree.