Shane Schmutz: Great Expectations.

Shane was inspired by his father and 80’s military movies to become a pilot. Shane threw himself headfirst into academics and extracurricular activities to build his resume and increase his chances of attending a military academy and becoming a pilot. When Shane attended West Point he found that the academic rigors of the school forced him to choose between his passions and to adjust his expectations. From intramurals and the Brigade Open, to Cadet Troop Leader Training with Special Forces Shane had a passion to experience the ideal, but grew frustrated when reality fell short. Shane graduated from West Point and branched Aviation. Shane served in Iraq as a Pilot in Combat, as a Leader of Soldiers on the ground, and as an officer on the Army Central Command staff. Shane left the military and sought a life of success and fulfillment in the civilian world. Shane found success, but struggled to find fulfillment until he returned to his roots and his passions. This is his story.