John started his professional career by serving 22 years on active duty in the United States Army, initially in the infantry with the United Nations Command Honor Guard, and subsequently in US Army aviation. He served in the United States Army Special Operations Command from 1990 through 2002, with assignments in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and a Special Mission Unit. His awards and badges include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal, Master Aviator, Airborne, Air Assault and Joint Military Free Fall badges.
Prior to joining the SANS Institute, John served in the US defense aerospace industry for two decades in various business development, general management, and executive leadership positions including President of Tenax Aerospace, VP of DoD Programs for DynCorp International, VP and Deputy General Manager L-3 Communications, VP of Defense Avionics at BAE Systems, and Director of Programs at B/E Aerospace.
