University View Academy senior Charles Fountain is a captain in the Civil Air Patrol, and he serves as cadet commander of his local squadron in Ruston, Louisiana.
This summer, Fountain had the opportunity to participate in the National Blue Beret, a two-week Civil Air Patrol activity that supports the Airventure Oshkosh Air Show. It’s the world’s largest annual aviation celebration hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
“For about as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a pilot,” Fountain said. “My first room had airplane wallpaper. I remember my toy planes hanging from the ceiling by wire. I was enamored with their elegant and thoughtful design; each piece on an aircraft was purposefully shaped to meet the needs of its airframe.”
During his trip to Oshkosh, Fountain assisted in flight line operations, was trained in search and planning techniques for finding missing aircraft, and he supported the air show. An experience he won’t ever forget, Fountain left with one quote on his mind.
“If serving is beneath you, leading is beyond you.”
This is a quote that the Blue Berets live by. It’s a fact of life that is held close on every decision, action, and step they take. Such a simple saying, but it’s one that has had a profound impact on Fountain.
He recently became one of 21 Cadet Wings Recipients which is a scholarship program for student pilots in the Civil Air Patrol. This will allow him to train for his Private Pilot’s License.
Fountain has been a student at University View Academy since the 2019-20 school year and his experience has been nothing but the best.
“The opportunities and flexibility offered to me (at UVA) are unparalleled,” Fountain mentioned. “I’ve been able to accelerate my academic career with the Early College and Career Academy; I will have cut my 4-year degree time in half by the time I graduate in May.”
Aviation is his calling. Fountain has plans to enter the United States Air Force Special Operations Command following graduation at UVA. He aspires to become a 2nd Lt. and C-146 Wolfhound pilot through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
“It’s been a dream of mine for years to be a pilot in the Air Force, and I’m excited to see it finally start coming together.”