The Sky’s the Limit “We’re at a stage in our lives where we’d like to give back and help others. We assist schools who have students who have an urgent or emergency need. Things like a child who doesn’t have a coat for the winter, or needs a new pair of shoes, of their family needs food or other necessities. We don’t have a lengthy application process so they just call us and we get them the items they need right away,” says Eldon. Aside from holding the World Air Speed Record, Eldon also received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service in the Air Force.
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When he was 10 years old, Eldon Joersz remembers thinking to himself, “One day I am going to fly a fighter jet.” However, he kept this ambition to himself and never shared it with anyone. “Growing up in a small rural town in North Dakota, that was a goal that seemed next to impossible to achieve,” admits Eldon. “However, I was determined to do everything within my power to set myself on the right path towards accomplishing this goal. If I didn’t succeed, it was not going to be for my lack of trying.” In college Eldon joined the ROTC and graduated from North Dakota State University with a ROTC commission. During his Air Force career Eldon held numerous positions, including a pilot instructor for the T-38 Talon and SR-71. He was a pilot in Vietnam and flew a F-105 Thunderchief out of the Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand; and was also a wing commander of the 410 BMW of the Eighth Air Force at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan. On July 28, 1976, Eldon and Ltc George T. Morgan Jr. set the World Air Speed Record in a SR71A Blackbird 61-7958 at Beale Air Force Base. Flying at 2,194 mph (3,529.56 km/h) the pair broke the world record of Daniel Andre and Robert L. Stephens of 2,070 mph. Today, Eldon’s World Air Speed record still remains unbroken. “I am really surprised our record was never broken. However, due to the changes in technology and warfare today, America is no longer building jet planes for speed anymore. We certainly could build a faster plane if we wanted too, however it would be very expensive and it really isn’t needed,” explains Eldon. After retiring from the Air Force, Eldon embarked on a second career with Lockheed Martin, where he worked in advanced development. “I am very fortunate, I had a great career in the Air Force and a great second career with Lockheed Martin, it was a great company to work for,” says Eldon. Now in what Eldon refers to as his fourth stage of life, retirement (First-childhood, Second-Air Force, Third-Lockheed Martin). Eldon and his wife Carol are enjoying spending time with their family and grandkids, caring for Carol’s mother, and beginning a new non-profit, C N A for Kids, (Carol n’ Al).
lives where we’d like to give back and help others.
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