Retired US Army Col. Dan Hennigan of Lexington dreamed of flying a jet fighter. He was recently cleared for flight in a SC National Guard F-16 jet. This is his account of the experience.

Q. How did you talk them into doing this?

A. Major General Bob Livingston and Col. Ronnie Taylor knew I was interested in F-16s since the 9-11 Military Service Members & First Responders Memorial unveiling and fly over Sept. 11, 2011, the 10th Anniversary of the 9-11 attack.

Col. Taylor had successfully launched with me various projects such as Operation Palmetto Employment, reducing unemployment from 18% to below 3%, and Student Education working with SC superintendents to create Memorial Day, 9/11 and Veterans Day videos, that National Guard leaders presented to over 30,000 students & educated them on the history of those days.

Q. What were the most important things you learned in the pre-flight training?

A. The understanding and capability to:

• Take control of the F-16 fighter in case of emergency or on pilot command to “eject.”

• How to get in and out of the F-16 without injury, hitting any buttons or controls and to move carefully and quickly.

• The importance of listening and the absolute seriousness of everything I was doing.

Q. What was flight surgeon Vanessa Wideman looking for to make sure you came back alive?

A. • That I was 110% physically and mentally prepared for my F-16 orientation flight orally and in writing.

• What I ate or did not eat on flight day.

• Could I sit and position my legs, toes, stomach and head when pulling 1 to 9 Gs and manage my oxygen and breathing?

Dr. Wideman is the most caring MD that I’ve met in my 67 years and after 26 surgeries. The SC Air National Guard is fortunate to have her.

Q. What about your pilot, Major Ryan Madrid’s experience as a jet jockey?

A. After thousands of flying hours, Ryan is a great teacher with outstanding leadership skills.

He is a excellent communicator on the ground and while flying. There was never a time in the air when Ryan and I were not speaking.

I was learning and building confidence in my ability to fly even when he allowed me to take control. Yes, I flew the F-16 fighter jet.

Pulling 1 to 9 Gs is highly challenging and requires key positioning and movements of your feet, toes, legs, stomach, back and head. These moves happen all at once. Even done correctly, your stomach and head take the biggest hit.

Ryan’s knowledge, passion for flying and caring about everyone made him a lot of fun to be with.

He is an outstanding leader and knowledgeable pilot. I felt safe when flying with him. Ryan is one of America’s best pilots and leaders.

Q. What were the most thrilling moments?

A. Going straight up, then straight down heading to the earth and pulling super Gs.

Also making every F-16 fighter jet maneuver you would have to do while flying in combat.

To the SCANG leadership, thank you for making me feel so important and part of your team. I never felt so welcomed in my life.

I am sure there was a need for a lot of justification and paperwork to receive approval. Thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to make my F-16 dream come true.

What’s next? Maybe a trip to Mars!

Hennigan is retired from the US Army, is a SC Governor Appointee to Veteran’s Study Committee, co-chairman at the Dorn VA Hospital Executive MVEC, founder and chairman of the SC 9-11 Historical Memorial and T2T SC 5k Run/Walk, a FDNY Honorary Battalion Chief, Fort Jackson Hall of Fame Inductee, Celebrate Freedom Foundation Executive Board Member, co-chairman of the Columbia Dorn VA Fisher House Project and grass roots chairman, and SCNG State Ambassador.