Benyshek, Carolyn

Frank Wallace is currently a pilot with FlexJet, LLC. having prior experience as an Assistant Chief Pilot and Check Airman for Jet It. His path toward this current position started when he graduated from USAFA in 1977 with a B.S. in Management, a commission as an Air Force Officer, and selection for Air Force Pilot Training.  His military experience included Undergraduate Helicopter Training, where he received his initial pilot rating in 1978, followed by selection for an assignment to the USAF 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, FL.  There he completed his M.S. in Management at Troy State University and worked as manager in the 20th Special Operations Squadron as a Plans Officer and Chief Pilot Scheduler.  After four years of outstanding performance, recognition as 20th SOS Aircrew Member of the Year, and receiving an Air Medal,  Frank was selected to serve on the USAF Air Staff at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.  There he managed 46 U.S. Foreign Military Sales Contracts valued at over $65 million for 12 foreign countries.  

To further expand his flight and leadership opportunities after completing his tour at the Pentagon, Frank transitioned from helicopters to fixed wing aircraft operations at Reese AFB, TX, as a Distinguished Graduate of the Class of 85-01.  He was assigned to the 63rd Military Airlift Wing at Norton AFB, CA.  There he served as the 14th Airlift Squadron Executive Officer, Chief of Personnel, Mission Control Officer, and 63rd Wing Airlift Control Element Operations Officer.  His duties included planning, organizing, and deploying and commanding airlift operations in support of U.S. military operations worldwide.  He was directly responsible for coordinating, obtaining and managing deployed-force sustainability needs for personnel, equipment and facilities. His outstanding performance resulted in his selection as Major below the zone. 

With a wealth of aviation and management experience, Frank was ready to pursue new challenges by entering the commercial aviation industry.  In 1988, he transitioned to the Air Force Reserves, and was hired as a pilot for FedEx Express.  He has flown as a B727 Second Officer, First Officer and Captain, as DC10 Second Officer and First Officer, and as Captain on the A300.  He served three years as a B727 Flight Instructor, and seven years as a FedEx Flight Operations Assistant Chief Pilot / Duty Officer.  As Assistant Chief Pilot he performed daily tasks as the direct representative of the Vice President of FedEx Flight Operations and held the authority and responsibility for the safe, legal and efficient operation of more than 350 aircraft and over 4500 flight crew members for the company’s global flight operations.

Frank retired from the Air Force Reserves after 20 years of combined active duty and reserve service, and retired from FedEx after almost 32 years, only to continue the pursuit of these passions at Jet It and now FlexJet, LLC.  Throughout his career, he has always found time to make significant contributions to the local community and the efforts of broader national organizations.  He is a founding member of the Memphis Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., a founding member of the Mid-South Life Skills, Inc., and a tireless member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals where he has served as a volunteer for the Memphis ACE Academy since its 1992 inception, and served as its Director from 2001 through 2017.  Frank’s most significant contribution however, was creating the concept, and being a founding member and current member of the Board of Directors of the USAFA Way of Life Alumni Group.  

Frank is also passionate about managing finances and helping others do the same. As a Financial Professional he teaches individuals about financial strategies that reduce their cost of living and increase their future lifestyles. He has helped clients save hundreds of thousands of dollars and he has put retirement plans in place that last securely for a lifetime. Frank is a Financial Services Professional with twenty-nine years of licensed experience. He is currently a Senior Associate with United Financial Freedom, a Preferred Agent for NIW Financial, and a Financial Literacy Educator with Virtual Financial. 

Frank is a devoted husband of 33 years and the proud father of three adult children.