Dick “Raz” Rasmussen originally hails from Scottsdale, Arizona and graduated from Shadow Mountain High School. After high school, he attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduated with military distinction, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Sciences, and a commission in the U.S. Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. Following this, he entered Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, and graduated after successfully earning his pilot wings.

He initially served as a T-38 Instructor Pilot for several years teaching students advanced flying fundamentals to include classroom academics, formation skills, low-level navigation and super-sonic flight. After the T-38, he flew several aircraft in the course of his career to include the C-130 Hercules, T-1 Jayhawk, Gulfstream III, Gulfstream V & Gulfstream 550. He conducted combat and combat support operations for the conflict in Bosnia/Herzegovina. He then was selected to fly with the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base conducting VIP airlift for the Vice-President, First Lady, cabinet secretaries and members of Congress.

While at the 89th, Raz rose to Director of Operations and Commander where he led flight operations for a fleet of nine Gulfstream aircraft and 150 aircrew members providing time-critical, global VIP transportation. Following this, he came to Randolph Air Force Base, where he instructed in the T-1 teaching new instructor pilots advanced instrument flying, refueling, and airdrop operations.

After 22+ years of dedicated service to his nation, Raz retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following the Air Force, he entered the private sector and has held multiple jobs in management and executive leadership to include Program Manager, Training & Standards Captain, Chief Pilot and Director of Aviation. He has overseen personnel, aircraft & equipment maintenance, facilities, contracts and dealt with multi-million dollar budgets. He currently serves as a corporate pilot flying Gulfstream G450/G550 aircraft. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Regent University and is a licensed Texas real estate agent.

On a personal note, Raz has been married to the love of his life for over 33 years, and he and his wife have three sons, two of which graduated from Johnson High School. Their oldest son is a Major in the U.S. Air Force and is a decorated fighter pilot in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Their middle son is a Captain and Army Ranger in the National Guard and their youngest son is an infantry officer and First Lieutenant in the United States Army. They also have two beautiful daughters-in-law and four wonderful grandchildren.