Dan Burkwald, President of Burkwald & Associates, Inc., was honored with the opportunity to be a Distinguished Visitor aboard a Naval Air Force aircraft carrier this April. As a pilot himself, this was a rare and once in a lifetime experience.

Here is what Dan Burkwald had to say about his experience:

Recently I deployed from North Island Naval Base in San Diego on a C2 Transport Plane Landing 150 miles out at Sea, aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. I spent overnight on board to witness America’s finest training for their deployment this summer to the Middle East Gulf Region.

This team of approximately 3,000 was working together for the first time since the Ship Deployed from Everett, Washington. During my stay we witnessed launch and recovery operations of F18 fighter Jet’s and intelligence gathering aircraft. The average age of the crew on deck is 19.5. This 97,000 ton $3 billion Nimitz Aircraft Carrier is vital to our safety home and abroad.

I was there as a part of a Distinguished Visitor Program with my involvement in Strategic Air Wing, serving Jefferson and Walworth County, providing Aerial Intelligence for these agencies. I have gained a new found respect for our young men and women serving and protecting our country, many of whom on board are from Wisconsin. The best time was at "mess" finding they all "have a story" and most importantly love our country.

Always thank these men and women when you see them publicly as it means much to them to know we acknowledge their sacrifice and risk to protect us. I personally am grateful for the opportunity and will never take our freedom for granted!