Air Force Academy superintendent and children 's advocate . `` In addition to superb judgment under utmost pressure , by checking his aircraft twice to ensure there were no passengers left behind he epitomized the 'service before self ' concept we strive to instill in our cadets , '' Regni said . Chesley B . ` ` Sully '' Sullenberger III , 57 , is former Air Force fighter pilot . He has 40 years of flight experience . Sullenberger is frequent speaker on aviation safety .
Air Force Academy superintendent and children 's advocate . Chesley B . ` ` Sully '' Sullenberger III , 57 , is former Air Force fighter pilot . He has 40 years of flight experience . Sullenberger is frequent speaker on aviation safety .