Major, USMC

Major Ken Asbridge from Frankfort, Illinois, graduated from Lincoln Way High School in 1988 where he participated in varsity baseball. He then attended Ohio State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation management.

Ken was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) as a second lieutenant in March 1993. After completing The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, he reported to flight school at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, where he was assigned Training Squadron 6 (VT 6) at NAS Whiting Field for primary and intermediate flight instruction. After completing advanced flight training with VT 31 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, Ken earned his wings of gold in March 1996 and was awarded Marine Corps Student Naval Aviator of the Year by the Daughters of the American Revolution. He then reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 253 (VMGRT 253) in Cherry Point, North Carolina, for KC-130 training.

Ken's first fleet aviator assignment was with VMGR 252 at Cherry Point. While there, he served as the embark officer, the quality assurance officer, and the aviation safety officer. He made deployments to Turkey in support of Operation Northern Watch and to Greece and Italy in support of Operations Noble Anvil and Allied Force. Ken also flew missions in support of operations in Central America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Ken's next assignment was in April 2000 where he was the aviation assistant for officer procurement with the 9th Marine Corps District in Kansas City, Missouri. At this station, he was responsible for the recruitment of all pilots and naval flight officers in the Midwest.