Fearless Leadership: Colonel Kim “KC” Campbell at the Cradle of Aviation Museum
Garden City, NY— The Cradle of Aviation Museum welcomed Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell on Thursday, March 13, for an unforgettable evening as she shared her compelling journey in her book, "Flying in the Face of Fear". A decorated combat veteran and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism, Campbell captivated the audience with firsthand accounts of flying A-10 Warthogs in combat over Iraq and Afghanistan. Her message of resilience, courage, and adaptability resonated deeply with attendees.
A highlight of the night was Campbell’s emotional reflection on standing beside a piece of her own A-10 aircraft, now a part of the museum’s collection. This aircraft carried her through one of the most harrowing moments of her career—an experience that shaped her approach to leadership, teamwork, and perseverance. Seeing it preserved as a part of aviation history was a decisive full-circle moment, underscoring the lasting impact of those who design, build, and maintain these aircraft.
Throughout the evening, Campbell offered invaluable insights into embracing risk, fostering a wingman culture, and confidently navigating uncertainty. Her battle-tested strategies provided a roadmap for overcoming fear and balancing adversity. The audience, which included aviation professionals, veterans, and enthusiasts, was inspired by her powerful storytelling and firsthand experiences.
About Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell
Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell is a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot with over 1,800 flight hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and holds advanced degrees from the University of London and the National War College. As a sought-after speaker and leadership consultant, Campbell draws on her military experience to share insights on resilience, adaptability, and high-stakes decision-making.
About the Cradle of Aviation Museum
Located on Museum Row in Garden City, the Cradle of Aviation Museum showcases over 75 airplanes and spacecraft spanning more than 100 years of aviation history. The museum is also home to Long Island’s only Giant Screen Dome Theater – the Catholic Health Sky Theater Planetarium. Recently listed on New York State’s National Register of Historic Places, the Cradle of Aviation Museum remains vital to American aviation and space history.
For more information about upcoming events, visit Cradle of Aviation Museum or call (516) 572-4111.
