4th Qt Luncheon – 2026 Sam Johnson Fall Membership Luncheon

DATE: November 18, 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm CST

LOCATION: Glen Eagles Country Club 5401 W Park Blvd • Plano, TX

TAKING FLIGHT: INSIDE USAF INITIAL PILOT TRAINING

OUR SPEAKER: COLONEL (RET)  MARK “SNAPPER” MATTISON

If you’re an Air Force aviator you probably remember Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT): T-41 flight screening, T-37 spins, and the awesome first solo in the T-38, AKA the “White Rocket”. Lots has changed over the years and if you think you know how USAF flight training works today, you’re probably wrong.

Today, the path to becoming an Air Force pilot may start at a civilian flight school like the US Aviation Academy (USAA) in Denton where new Air Force officers begin their journey to becoming an Air Force pilot.

If you have questions, we have just the man to answer them.

Colonel (ret) Mark “SNapper” Mattison is the Vice President of Military Programs at USAA and runs the Denton operation. Mark is a 30-year Air Force veteran fighter pilot and instructor with experience in the F-16, T-38, MiG-29 and Su-22. He’s also the author of two fiction works, including The Bear Trap.

Event Menu:

  • Mixed Green Salad with Assorted Dressings and Condiments
  • Seasonal Vegetable Medley
  • EVOO Penne Pasta
  • Marinara and Alfredo Sauces
  • Chicken Parmesan
  • Beef Lasagna
  • Garlic Bread
  • Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Registration will be available in October once our new website is live. 

Military/CAP cadets/Scouts in uniform are free. For free  registration, email Mike Bofferding