A Boise Native is Training to be a Warfighter Pilot

A Treasure Valley native is in the middle of an intense training program right now to become a fighter pilot, and he credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons he learned growing up in Boise.

Ensign Samuel Ledesma graduated from North Star Charter High School in Eagle and 2014 and joined the Navy with the goal of becoming a U.S. Naval Aviation Warfighter.

Lt. Paula Knight with the Navy Office of Community Outreach tells us that Ledesma is in the middle of a rigorous training process that transforms officers into U.S. naval aviators.  He's a student pilot serving with Training Air Wing 4 at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, and that wing produces about 600 newly qualified aviators each year.

Ledesma credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Boise.  He said, “My dad taught me time management and determination.  Flight school lasts several years, so it's important to choose your battles wisely and keep moving forward.”  His grandfather, father, and older brother were all surface warfare officers and they influenced his choice to join the Navy.

The Navy says there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, and Ledesma is most proud of his flight suit and what it represents as a naval aviator.  He said, “It proves that I have been recognized as capable and that I have the potential to become a naval aviator."

The fact that he gives credit to his father for helping him achieve success sure helps put Father's Day in perspective, doesn't it?  His dad should be really proud that all of those little life lessons stuck with his son, and continue to help him reach his goals.

Just one more example of a family doing Boise proud!  Happy Father's Day.