COLONEL FRANK TWAIT

BIOGRAPHY
Born in Rockford, Illinois, Frank Twait attended St. Olaf College in Minnesota and the University of Southern California. He graduated in 1956 with a BA in History and a commission from AF ROTC.

Twait received his wings in 1957 and flew a variety of aircraft including multi and single engine jets and prop driven aircraft. During 1957-1959, while stationed on Guam, he was assigned to a squadron that flew "Typhoon Chasers." Twait made 54 typhoon penetrations which became a USAF record.

During 1969, and later in 1972, Twait served overseas at Nakhon Phanom Air Base in Thailand, where he flew the A-1 Skyraider on strike, and search & rescue missions. He earned the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and numerous Air Medals for his service in Southeast Asia.

Twait's other assignments included a tour as a T-37 jet instructor pilot at Moody AFB in Valdosta, Georgia. There, he commanded the flying training flight that taught President Bush his flying skills. Twait flew several check rides with President Bush and found him to be a 'good stick'.

After Moody AFB, Twait did a tour at Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and a tour in Recruiting Service in San Antonio. His final tour was as the Air Force Representative to the Army Engineering School at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.

Twait retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service. He later ran a civilian flight school, taught aviation science at a Clearwater High School for 11 years, was House Manager at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center for 10 years, and presently volunteers at the Museum of Science and Industry and at the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Tampa, FL.

Frank Twait stands with the AD Skyraider that he flew in Vietnam