Colonel Elizabeth A.D. Hanson, U.S. Air Force, retired, is a recent inductee into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame. She logged over 3,500 hours of flight time, piloting C-17A Globemaster transport planes, KC-46 refueling jets, and T-37 and T1A jet fighters. Hanson completed her final flight on July 8th, 2024, as the Commander of the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, where she oversaw critical air and logistical operations that support global military missions.
Hanson discovered her passion for aviation at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where she participated in the Air Force ROTC program and could fly in Army helicopters. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering from RPI in 1998, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant and began a distinguished career as a U.S. Air Force pilot.
In addition to her role as a commander, Hanson has served as a C-17A instructor pilot at the prestigious USAF Weapons School and worked with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), contributing to national defense research. Over her career, she has flown 578 combat hours, supporting critical operations around the world.
Her achievements have earned her numerous awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Medals for combat missions, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal, among others.
Recognizing her incredible service and leadership, the New York State Senate recently honored Colonel Hanson with an induction into its Veterans Hall of Fame, a tribute to veterans for their military and civilian accomplishments.
Colonel Hanson’s induction into the Senate Veterans Hall of Fame solidifies her legacy as a trailblazer and leader, whose contributions continue to inspire future generations.
References
https://www.jbmdl.jb.mil/Portals/47/Col%20Hanson%20Bio%20June%202022%20v2.pdf
https://www.nysenate.gov/profiles/2024/neil-d-breslin/colonel-elizabeth-ad-hanson
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/duty-calls-delmar-woman-inducted-ny-senate-19750415.php
Back To Blog