Col. Ben J. “Benjo” Welch, Jr.

()Ben Welch of Crossville took his first $2.00 flight at age 13 in an Aeronca Champ at Crossville. His only ambition was to become a pilot. He graduated from White County High School in 1953 and attended Tennessee Tech. He joined the USAF in 1956, earning his wings in 1957 and served in the USAF and Tennessee Air National Guard for 38 years. His worldwide assignments and a variety of leadership positions earned numerous awards and decorations. Colonel Welch retired in 1994 as the oldest active duty USAF officer on flying status.