Brad Davis

Brad Davis, a veteran of both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, shares his unique journey through two branches of military service and the experiences that shaped his life. Brad grew up in Washington Courthouse, Ohio, and enlisted in the Air Force right after turning 18, driven by a desire to become a pilot. Initially assigned to work on the armament systems of F-16s, Brad realized his dream of flying jets wouldn’t be realized in the Air Force due to its policy against accepting married pilots into flight school. Determined to fly, Brad transitioned into the U.S. Army, where he successfully became a helicopter pilot through the warrant officer training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Brad’s time in the Army saw him flying Cobra gunships, a role he cherished. His deployment to the Gulf War in 1990 placed him on the front lines of Operation Desert Storm, where he flew combat missions and experienced the intensity of warfare firsthand. During one mission, he and his crew narrowly avoided disaster when their Cobra was hit by small arms fire, forcing them to make an emergency landing behind a sand dune to assess the damage. In another harrowing experience, Brad, as a convoy commander, had to make a critical decision to reroute around a dangerous area, avoiding a tank battle that could have been catastrophic for his unit.

After the Gulf War, Brad’s military career continued for a few more years before he left the Army under an early out program. His post-military life took him into various fields, including car sales and business ownership. Eventually, Brad founded a company with his wife in Clearwater, Florida, focusing on artificial intelligence and mobile applications. Through his business, Brad is dedicated to supporting veteran-owned companies and giving back to the community.

Brad reflects on his time in the military with pride, acknowledging the sacrifices made by veterans and the lessons he learned about leadership, family, and resilience. Now a grandfather to nine grandchildren, Brad treasures his family and the importance of spending time with loved ones. His story is a testament to the dedication and adaptability of service members who find new paths after leaving the military. From the cockpit of a Cobra helicopter to the challenges of entrepreneurship, Brad’s journey embodies the spirit of service and perseverance.