Miles Newsome ’97

Full Name and Class Year: Miles Newsome ’97
Major at EC: Business Administration Marketing

What have been the highlights of your career?
I got my US citizenship and joined the United States Air Force to become a pilot in 2004 where I was selected for the Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT). I have been in the Air Force for about 4.5 years now and I am currently an Instructor Pilot stationed at Sheppard AFB in North Texas, flying the T-38C. It is a supersonic jet trainer used to teach future NATO fighter pilots acrobatic maneuvers, instrument procedures, two and four ship tactical employment, and low-altitude target acquisition. It has been an amazing experience. We are currently training pilots from Germany, Norway, Italy, Spain and the United States.
In addition to my normal flying job in the USAF, I have had the opportunity to lead many flyovers for college football games and other sporting events, military funerals and for a Fourth of July celebration.

What are your fondest memories of your days at Elmira College?
Making friendships that last a lifetime! Our Graduation Speaker at Candlelight, Mountain Day, Spring Weekend, Playing Lacrosse on the Campus Field, The White House – which is now a parking lot, and ALL the Purple and Gold.

Were you involved in any clubs, organizations, or teams?
I played Hockey, Lacrosse, and Golf, and was a Gold Key Ambassador, a Resident Assistant, and was a member of SIFE. I was also the 1996 Fall Orientation Chair.

Which opportunity at EC do you believe best prepared you for your career?
Being the Fall Orientation Chairperson – EC gave me a lot of responsibility running the fall orientation program. It gave me the opportunity to interact with the Faculty and Staff, hone my leadership skills, and develop my multitasking and public speaking skills.

What advice would you give students about preparing for graduate school or careers?
You can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it. Elmira provided me with a lot of unique opportunities that I would not have had at a larger school. Take advantage now, and work hard to accomplish your goals.

Do you have a favorite quote that embodies your beliefs or values?
"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."
- Henry Ford
Since I began flying;
"For once you have tasted flight, you will walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been, and there you long to return."
- Leonardo da Vinci