Capt. Jeffrey A. Hill, 31, gave his life on 28 July 2010 in service to our nation, in a tragic C-17 crash on Elmendorf Air Force Base while practicing for the Arctic Thunder Air Show demonstration. 

Jeff enlisted in 1997 and began his Air Force career as an F-15 Electrical and Environmental Systems Technician for the 12th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf AFB.  After receiving several awards during his years in the airman ranks including multiple Star Performer of the Month, Senior Airman Below-the-Zone, and the Leo Marquez Maintainer of the Year for PACAF, he was hand selected for a commissioning program at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).  Hard work earned him his commission as a Second Lieutenant in December 2002, and he was the first AFROTC cadet from UAA to receive the coveted silver pilot’s wings.  After successfully completing pilot training, he was selected as a T-1 Instructor Pilot, responsible for training the next generation of Air Force pilots. Jeff completed a three-year tour at Columbus AFB where he received the “Favorite Instructor Pilot” award from all three classes he taught – a feat that had never been done before or has been accomplished since.  For this dedication to his students’ successes, he earned a coveted spot as a C-17 Pilot assigned to Elmendorf in 2007.  

Jeff was an exceptional pilot, and during his C-17 career he was personally responsible for numerous combat missions supporting both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition, he piloted Elmendorf’s first plane into Haiti for Operation Unified Response, providing critical life-saving humanitarian earthquake relief to millions in need.  Jeff was also instrumental in Operation Deepwater Horizon delivering much-needed equipment to aid in the oil spill cleanup effort in the Gulf of Mexico. He took his job as a C-17 instructor pilot very seriously and was always ready at the drop of a hat to answer his nation’s call. He accomplished countless things in his Air Force career, but what he treasured most was gaining recognition for those who worked for him. Jeff was truly a professional of the highest caliber.  

Jeff also had an unparalleled passion for the outdoors. At every opportunity, he was having fun in the mud, in the snow or in the water. He loved to take his wife, his boys and his friends out camping, fishing, snowmachining or on a four-wheeler ride. He hiked, explored and took advantage of everything that Alaska, and life, had to offer. As passionate as he was about the outdoors, he loved being a father and a husband most of all! This was evidenced by his excitement in sharing life with his family.  

Jeff tackled every day of his life with enthusiasm, a great attitude, a smile and a little witty sarcasm. He was an absolute joy to be around. His personality was infectious and drew people to him. He gave his life in support of his country and he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, co-workers and everyone fortunate enough to know him.