Laughlin XLer: 1st Lt. Donald C. Lodge-Maragh, 85th FTS

Published Aug. 27, 2015
By 47th Flying Training Wing

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Unit and job title: 85th Flying Training Squadron T-6 instructor pilot and flight scheduler

Why he XLed: First Lt. Donald Lodge-Maragh organized 30 volunteers and coordinated with 10 organizations to complete the 400 hour project of painting the 13,000 square foot squadron mural. He scheduled over 200 events for 13 student pilots worth $228,000. He administered four unit standards and evaluations events, and ensured a 100 percent pass-rate on student pilot navigation and formation tests. He taught two new instructor pilots the gradebook and documenting procedures, and volunteered five hours of general knowledge sessions to two struggling students. He executed two runway supervisory unit tours, observed more than 1,000 aircraft movements, aided one in-flight emergency and helped preserve $4,500 in solo student pilot assets. Lastly, Lodge-Maragh instructed seven student sorties, flew one functional check flight and became a Self-Aid Buddy Care monitor.