John Vilbert with a Black Hawk helicopter in about 2004.
Mark and John Vilbert
Mark Vilbert of Crystal City submitted a photo of his son, retired Army Maj. Johnathan Vilbert of Festus, who spent about 18 years in the Army. From 2003 to 2005 he was on active combat duty in the Iraq War, flying many missions in the Black Hawk helicopter. After returning from Iraq, he earned his fixed-wing pilot license, and in 2012 began flying numerous fixed-wing aircraft missions in Afghanistan. During his time in the service he received several awards and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mizzou and then a master’s degree in organization behavior from Benedictine University.
Today John and his father own and operate a business together. John’s experience as an Army officer and battlefield leader has helped bring a special quality to his capabilities in business.
“He still carries with him the loss and sadness of fellow combat soldiers and pilots who sacrificed their very life for the cause,” Mark said. “He is deeply honored to have served with each of his fellow soldiers and their memory will always be cherished.”
