Friday Morning Man: Victor Fehrenbach!

On Veteran’s Day, let’s spotlight a true American hero: Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach.

This hunky fighter pilot became a high-profile face in the successful fight to end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

During an 18-year career in the military, Fehrenbach completed 88 combat missions, 2,189 total flying hours, 1,487 fighter hours and 488 combat hours. He has received eight air medals, one for Heroism, and was hand-picked to protect the Washington, D.C. airspace after 9/11. He flew combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, targeting the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

His reward? He was discharged just two years short of retirement – because he is gay. Thankfully, Fehrenbach was able to successfully retire from the United States Air Force on September 30.