Laughlin XLer - Lt. Col. William Lee, 96th FTS

Lt. Col. William Lee, 96th Flying Training Squadron functional check flight chief, poses with Col. Tom Murphy, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Garry Berry, 47th FTW command chief, after being presented the XLer of the week award at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, March 26, 2013. The XLer is a weekly award chosen by wing leadership and given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to Laughlin and their unit. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow)

Laughlin XLer - Lt. Col. William Lee, 96th FTS

Published April 17, 2013
By 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Job title and unit: 96th Flying Training Squadron, functional check flight chief

Why he XLed: He recovered a T-38C Talon that experienced a flight control malfunction, avoiding having to eject. During the emergency situation, he flew the T-38C Talon without the use of elevator controls and safely landed the aircraft without having to use the runway barrier.

Hometown: Yorktown, Va.

Time at Laughlin: Six years and three months

Time in military/civil service: Nineteen years and six months

Hobbies: Engraving, motorcycle riding and antique car restoration

Bad habit: Procrastination

Favorite movies: Band of Brothers and Apollo 13

If you could spend one hour with any person, who would it be and why: The Wright Brothers for their pioneering work in aviation.