MAJ. J. David Hnyda, U.S. Army

Eagle Scout and former Space Camp® trainee and Crew Trainer, David Hnyda, was part of the Space Camp family for more than a decade. Although that time included him having the distinction of being a Right Stuff winner as both trainee and Crew Trainer, his life since Space Camp is surely the envy of every Aviation Challenge® Camp trainee that has ever attended. While earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering, Major Hnyda was in Army ROTC. He began early making his mark by completing the Army’s Airborne, Air Assault and Northern Warfare Schools. Following graduation, Major Hnyda joined the Air Calvary flying the OH-58D helicopter. He has spent the last decade and more than 1,150 combat hours serving in support of the Iraq War as an Air Mission Commander. In 2011, Major Hnyda graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, and is currently serving as an Experimental Test Pilot. U.S. Army Major David Hnyda has a long history of distinguishing himself at every turn and is living proof that dreams are made of vision, dedication and hard work.