Richard "Dick" Russell

Richard E. Russell was born in Broken Bow, NE and attended schools in Broken Bow and Kearney. He is a Life member of the University of Nebraska Alumni Association. A Korean and Vietnam veteran, Russell retired from the US Air Force in 2001 after serving a total of 41 years active, reserve and guard service. Throughout his military service, he received numerous awards, including Meritorious Service Medals, four Humanitarian Service Medals and was selected one of twelve Outstanding Air Force Security Police in 1982. He also received several commendations and citations from the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force and the Secretary of Defense during his time as the Sixth Air Force Reserve Command Chief Master Sergeant. In 1984, Dick became an Aviation Safety Inspector for the FAA working from a GS7 position to a GM15 middle manager in just four years. Among his assignments was project manager for the civil certification of the Bell-Boeing Tiltrotor aircraft, manager of all FAA flight programs and as Aircraft Policy Officer for the FAA flight inspection program based in Oklahoma. Russell has been an active ham radio operator since high school. He served with the Civil Air Patrol and Coast Guard Auxiliary as an Emergency Services Operations Specialist, Incident Commander and search and rescue pilot for over 40 years. Dick has been an adjunct professor in aviation, aerospace studies, management, organizational development, criminal justice, law enforcement and police science for over 30 years and has taught at several colleges and universities including Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He retired from the FAA but continued his aviation career as a flight instructor and FAA designated examiner for Flight Safety International. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of aviation studies for Southeastern Oklahoma State University, an aviation insurance agent and consultant and partner in DNR Aviation, LLC, for the preservation and continued flying of antique and classic airplanes. He has accumulated over 21,000 accident free hours in military and civilian aircraft since his first flight at Broken Bow in a Howard DGA15. Russell holds an ATP Certificate with CE650 and CE560XL type ratings and flight instructor certificates for airplanes, helicopters and seaplanes. Maintaining a history of community involvement, Dick has been an active member of the Air Force Association and Aerospace Education Foundation doing education in aerospace for over 25 years. He is a member of the Flying Conestogas and a regular attendee at the annual Nebraska Antique Airplane Association fly-in at Minden. Russell is immediate past Commander of the Central States Shrine Flying Fez Association and was recognized in 2006 as one of thirteen Masons in Kansas to receive the DeMolay International Legion of Honor. Russell feels fortunate to have flown everything from his Meyers OTW biplane to the F16 and F4 aircraft.

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