Steve "Tater" Tate

Facilitator   

Steve “Tater” Tate grew up in the north woods of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the Ottawa National Forrest. This is where he learned and honed is survival, hunting, shooting, fishing, and work ethic. Growing up in a small township is how he came to value family ties and personal convictions, and a sense of duty to his country. This is what triggered his desire to become a United States Marine. His background came in handy as he finished his boot camp at Paris Island as the Top Honor Graduate and Dress Blue Award. During the 5 years as an enlisted Marine he continued to develop his Leadership Traits and Characteristics. And as a result was meritoriously promoted to every rank from Private to Sergeant in less than 1 ½ years. He also was named Marine of the Month and Quarter multiple times and again graduated from Non-Commissioned Officer Training and Career Planning school as the Top Honor Graduate.

While serving as the Non-Commissioned Officer In-Charge of the Survival Equipment Shop, Tater went to National University and graduated as Summa Cum Laude in the first Aviation Management program. This is fancy talk to say “he did real good”. Did I also mention during this time he started his life long dream of becoming a pilot and earned his Private Pilot’s license while acting as the Camp Pendleton Flying Club Maintenance Officer.

So with a degree in hand and a pilots license in his pocket, off to the United States Air Force! The first stop was to complete Officer Training School, where yes you guessed it, graduated as the Top Honor Graduate. Then to the USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training. And of course graduated as Honor Graduate and allowed him to get his first choice to be an F-15 Fighter Pilot.

Stationed in Langley AFB, VA is where his Air Force career took-off. Tater was assigned to the Weapons and Tactics shop and soon became known as the “great tacitian”. He became a Stan-Eval pilot which duties included administering check rides and instructing instructors.

Then, “once upon a-time” there was a crises called the “Gulf War”. Tater was the first choice to lead the first strike package into Baghdad on “day” 1. Tater put his experience to test as he put together a large force package and plan. On that first strike package got into Baghdad he shot down an Iraqi F-1. He continued to take large strike forces into combat an additional 40 times.

When returning home to a grateful nation, Tater went on the speaking and promotional circuit. His message included the importance of building a team with exceptional leadership.

Currently flying as a Captain with a major airline, Tater is responsible for the Flight Operations in the Carib/Latin/South America region. He has also been sent around the world to help facilitate new start-up services.

When Tater has a free moment, he enjoys his time at home in Northern Ga with his bride and 3 children. His family is the real pride and joy of his life.

• Company Profile
• Team Members
• Resources