Former Fighter Pilot Receives First BHS Distinguished Alumnus Award

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Air Force Colonel Brian E. Hastings is the recipient of the inaugural Bolingbrook High School Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Col. Hastings, who graduated from BHS in 1986, received the award from Alumni Association Co-Chair (and former teammate) Neal Hermanson (BHS 1987) prior to the start of Friday night’s homecoming football game.

An excellent student-athlete during his four years at BHS, the former fighter pilot is a distinguished graduate in applied physics from the United State Air Force Academy. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Sciences.

Col. Hastings currently heads up the Air Command and Staff College, which is the Air Force’s premier academic institute for training airpower leaders for America and its international allies.
President Obama nominated him for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. The nomination is awaiting Senate confirmation.

As part of the pre-game ceremonies honoring him, Col. Hastings also handled the varsity coin flip between the Raiders and Thornwood.

Photo: Neal Hermanson, co-chair of the Bolingbrook High School Alumni Association, presents the inaugural Raider Distinguished Alumnus Award to Air Force Colonel Brian Hastings (BHS Class of 1987) at Friday night’s Homecoming football game.

Submitted by Valley View School District 365U