Colonel Patrick L. Volk, USAF

Class of 1988

A Wisconsin native, Colonel Volk was commissioned in 1988 through the Naval ROTC program after earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Following commissioning, Colonel Volk served in an active status as a flight officer flying the F-14 Tomcat and F-18 Hornet. Colonel Volk completed his active duty navy service as an operational test pilot stationed at the Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake, CA. Upon leaving naval service in 1997, Colonel Volk transferred to the Wisconsin Air National Guard as a Drill Status Guardsman, while working full time as a commercial pilot for United Airlines. Following the terrorist attacks in 2001, Colonel Volk was recalled to active duty where he continued to fly the F-16 until his retirement from active duty in August 2013.

Educated and trained as an aviation officer, Colonel Volk has served in a variety of operational positions leading Sailors and Airmen at the detachment, squadron, group, and wing level. Colonel Volk participated in combat operations including NORTHERN and SOUTHERN WATCH, IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM, and SKY MONITOR in the Balkans. Colonel Volk also deployed in support of Operations NOBLE EAGLE and CORONET NIGHTHAWK.

During his 16-year career in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, Colonel Volk served in various staff positions at the State, Numbered Air Force, and Headquarters-Air National Guard level in the development of Total Force manpower initiatives and joint service homeland defense policy. Colonel Volk also led a National Guard State Partnership Program joint service training deployment to the Republic of Nicaragua in 2012.

Colonel Volk's professional military education includes the USAF Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, Air Warfare College, Joint Reserve Military Officer Capstone program, Joint Anti-Terrorism course, and the National Incident Command program. Colonel Volk is also a graduate of the US Navy test pilot analysis school; strike warfare school, and fighter weapons (TOPGUN) school.

Before retiring as the Vice Wing Commander at the 115th Fighter Wing in August 2013, Colonel Volk accumulated over 3500 flight hours in three different fight aircraft and 300 carrier landings.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.