Orestes D. Gooden, Elizabeth City, NC- Orestes grew up in Virginia’s historic rural Piedmont area, graduating from Buckingham County High School. He received a B.S. degree from Virginia State University (3rd generation legacy) and a Masters of Aeronautical Science (dual specialty) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Navy Electronics School and Naval Nuclear Power School, was commissioned an Ensign after completing Officer Candidate School and Flight Training to be designated a Naval Aviator and received the coveted “Wings of Gold”. He has enjoyed 24 years of honorable military service. His professional memberships include U.S. Naval Institute, Civil Air Patrol, Tuskegee Airmen Inc., American Association of Airport Executives, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He presently serves on the Elizabeth City Pasquotank County Regional Airport Authority and is a professor of Aviation Science at Elizabeth City State University where he continues to make “ECSU… Elevate Higher. Emerge Stronger” by sharing his love and passion for flight, educating and mentoring the next generation of aviators and aerospace industry students. He is certified by the FAA and qualified in both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft.