A graduate of Claremore High School, Trevor Kaase joined the Air National Guard in 2013 and is stationed with the 125th Flying Squadron in Tulsa. Kaase grew up in a military family and that influence helped mold him into the soldier and pilot he is today.
“Growing up in a military family definitely did have an influence on my career goals. I remember going to look at the F-16’s in Tulsa as a young child and ever since then I knew I wanted to be a fighter pilot with the Tulsa Air National Guard,” said Kaase.
Kaase has taken some big steps to become an F-16 pilot for the Air National Guard and the United States Air Force and is currently completing training at Vance AFB near Enid.
“Being a fighter pilot has been my ultimate dream job. I knew that serving as an enlisted member would help me accomplish that goal. I’m currently at Vance AFB in undergraduate pilot training,” said Kaase. “I have completed the syllabus for the T-6 and will begin training in the T-38 come December. The training program at Vance AFB is extremely rigorous and thorough. They take young Airmen and train them to be professional aviators for the Air Force in six months. The days are long, but extremely rewarding.”
The education benefits Kaase received when he first enlisted into the Air National Guard have helped him complete his degree and chase that dream of becoming a pilot.
“The education benefits through the Air Guard are incredible. I was able to graduate from Oklahoma State University debt free. After graduating, I was able to sign over the rest of my education benefits to my son for when he is ready to go to college,” said Kaase.
Now Second Lieutenant Kaase is preparing for an eventual seat in an F-16 and a long career in the Air National Guard.
“I do plan on staying with the Tulsa Air Guard as long as they allow. The men and women at the unit have become family throughout the years and it’s an honor to be able to continue my career with them,” said Kaase.
The Air National Guard has taken Kaase to places like Poland and Afghanistan with trips all over the United States. Lieutenant Kaase offers some great advice to anyone searching for a way to jumpstart their lives after high school.
“I would tell them to come out to the unit and take a tour with one of the recruiters. Go to the different shops and find that perfect fit. The Air Guard has a wide variety of jobs available and a great group of recruiters to ensure they find exactly what they’re looking for,” said Kaase.
Away from the base, Kaase said he enjoys flying and going on new adventures with his wife and son.
