Commemorative Air Force
James Lasche has extensive work experience in various roles and industries. James started their career in the US Air Force, where they served as the SWLR Commander and later as the Deputy Director Global Readiness. After leaving the military, they worked as an Account Manager for South Plains Biomedical and as a Senior Associate for Mason Technical Services Company. James then moved on to become the National Sales Director for Jaccard Corporation and the Sr. Military Advisor for Green Collar Vets. James also served as the Program Director for Eagle Flying Museum and the VP Sales for Sutler Defense Services. Currently, they hold the positions of VP of Operations & Maintenance and Chief Aviation Officer at the Commemorative Air Force.
James Lasche obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Marketing from West Virginia University between 1981 and 1985. Following this, they pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which they completed between 1992 and 1993.
Commemorative Air Force
Collecting flying warbirds for half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the largest flying museum in the world. The CAF is a nonprofit aviation association dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance by maintaining a flying museum of classic military aircraft. The CAF has more than 12,000 members and its fleet of 162 historic aircraft is distributed to 73 units located in 24 states for care and operation. These units, comprised of CAF members and volunteers, restore and operate the planes which are viewed by more than 10 million spectators annually. More than just a collection of flyable warbirds, the Commemorative Air Force’s fleet of historic aircraft, known as the “Ghost Squadron,” recreate, remind and reinforce the lessons learned from the defining moments in American military aviation history. The demands of aerial combat drove the great technological advances in aviation that occurred during and after World War II. Many different types of aircraft were developed, often designed for very specific missions. Members engage with the mission to protect these rare flying monuments to freedom. They keep them in flying condition, repair, rebuild and pilot these unique assets. Future generations will benefit from the CAF’s preservation efforts, educational programs, museum exhibits and airshows.