Vietnam Veteran inspires new warrior Airmen

U.S. Air Force Retired Col. Charles B. DeBellevue, speaks as a part of the ongoing Warfighter Speaker series at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 19, 2024. As a graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana, DeBellevue was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1968 and flew 220 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom II, achieving six aerial victories over North Vietnamese forces. After retiring, DeBellevue contributed to various organizations, enhancing legacy aircraft reliability and supporting veteran initiatives. He currently serves on the boards of the Dale K. Graham Veterans Foundation and the Air Warrior Courage Foundation. In 2023, he was recognized as the River Rat of the Year and the Air Warrior Courage Foundation Humanitarian of the Year. The Warfighter Speaker series aims to educate, motivate, and inspire a sense of mental grit and fortitude in listeners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Skylar Ellis)