Dan Braswell:  

Following graduation from Headland High, I reported as a Seaman Recruit to the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, Rhode Island. The next year I reported to US Naval Academy (USNA), and in 1983, earned my commission and a Bachelor of Science with merit in Political Science. I then went to pilot training and earned my wings in 1985. As "Lieutenant" Braswell, I reported in August 1986 to served my first operational tour of duty with the Black Stallions of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron FOUR (HC-4). The "FOUR" was homeported at Naval Air Station, Sigonella, on the island of Sicily, Italy, from where I deployed to operate out of locations all over Mediterranean Sea Europe/Africa, and the Mid-East. Also in 1986 I married the love of my life, Patti Walker of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Now, after over 22 years of marriage we have three children: Benjamin (20), Charles (17), and Madelyn (14). In 1989, after my first tour of duty with HC-4, I became an instructor pilot (IP) with HM-12 in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1991, I joined the crew of the US Navy Central Command's flagship, the USS LASALLE. In 1992, I started two years of duty as a USNA Company Officer, finishing that tour with pilot refresher training and a return to HC-4. During my second tour of duty with the FOUR, I deployed with three dozen sailors and two CH-53E helicopters to Mombassa, Kenya in support of Operation UNITED SHIELD. As officer-in-charge of Black Stallion Det Mombassa, I led the Black Stallion's only detachment to deploy south of the equator, fly missions requiring helicopter aerial refueling for every leg, and to conduct those missions fully armed. HC-4 also won the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award for the period during which I was the squadron's Maintenance Department Head. From 1996 to 1998, I served as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Aviation for Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Fleet. I then attended the U...Expand for more