Celebrating Capt John J. Sax’s Winging Day
Celebrating Capt John J. Sax’s Winging Day
Today we honor a milestone that will forever hold deep meaning for the Capt. Sax Foundation and all who loved John. On October 16, 2020, Capt John J. Sax earned his Wings of Gold at NAS Corpus Christi, a day that marked the fulfillment of his lifelong dream to become a United States Marine Corps aviator.
From the time he was an 8-year-old boy looking up to military pilots, John was determined to join their ranks. That dream carried him through years of dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice. The pride he felt on his winging day was immense, and it was multiplied by the joy of having his wife, Amber, pin on his wings, and his oldest daughter, Eleanor, in attendance at just six days old.
The Path to Wings
John’s journey through Naval flight training took him across multiple aircraft and squadrons, each shaping him into the pilot he would become:
- T-6 Texan II with the VT-6 Shooters – where he began primary flight training and built the foundations of his aviation skills.
- T-45C Goshawk with the VT-21 RedHawks – mastering advanced jet training with the discipline and precision required of Naval aviators.
- TH-57B/C Sea Ranger with the HT-8 “Eightballers” – transitioning into rotary-wing training, where he refined his skills in helicopters and discovered the unique challenges of vertical flight.
- T-44C Pegasus with the VT-35 Stingrays – completing multi-engine training, a demanding phase that required sharp focus, adaptability, and teamwork.
Each phase brought challenges, but John faced them with persistence and determination. Like many of the applicants we support today, his path was not without obstacles, yet his resilience always carried him forward.
A Legacy of Dedication
John never took for granted the privilege of wearing his wings, and his pride in being a Marine aviator never faded. He was truly living the life he had dreamed of since childhood.
As we celebrate this day five years later, we do so with gratitude for the example John set. His story continues to inspire future aviators who share his passion for flight and his commitment to perseverance.
At the Capt Sax Foundation, we honor John’s legacy by supporting the next generation of aviators through scholarships, mentorship, and community. His journey reminds us that dreams can be achieved through resilience, dedication, and a steadfast love for aviation.
G.A.S.