FGGAM NEWS received this news release from NM
Congressman Pearce’s office. The photo is from the cover of the Congressman’s book.
Vietnam Vet Steve Pearce Honors Veterans
Washington, DC (April 12, 2016) U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, a Vietnam veteran and six-term Member of Congress representing New Mexico’s Second District, is flying back to Washington, D.C. after completing a near world-wide mission to honor veterans.
Pearce, 68, began his solo expedition on March 27 departing from Nevada in a 1998 Mooney M20M Bravo, a plane no bigger than a Volkswagen Beetle. His route stretched across the Pacific and through the Coral and Java Seas. He then traveled through the Persian Gulf and into the Mediterranean. Throughout his journey, he stopped to symbolically leave memorials to remember veterans and honor their sacrifice.
In 1969, after he was drafted, the then-New Mexico State University student conquered a fear of flying and decided to enroll in an Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program designed for pilots. That led to combat service in the USAF, where Pearce flew 518 hours of combat flight and 77 hours of combat support during the Vietnam War. His love of flying grew in the military – leading Pearce to become a professional pilot after being honorably discharged from the USAF with the rank of Captain.
After speaking at a Vietnam War Memorial event over a year ago, Pearce was inspired to challenge himself in a personal test of endurance to honor those lost in all wars. A long held dream to fly around the world quickly evolved into an airborne journey, a mission, propelled by a single engine. During his mission, he left memorials made by the Isleta Pueblo from New Mexico. Created in the shape of a bear, it stands for strength and courage. It is meant to symbolize the sacrifice of war and honor the power of the human spirit to persevere.
Unfortunately, heavy head winds and dangerous turbulence forced Pearce to not complete the final legs of the flight. While Pearce was unable to complete his journey this week, he is committed to finishing, not allowing adverse weather or any other challenges stand in his way. He now heads directly to Washington, D.C. for the upcoming legislative work week.
In 20 years as a professional pilot, Congressman Pearce flew jets, turboprops, and other aircraft, logging over 12,000 hours of flight time.
