Colonel (Ret.) Mark Tillman, the 12th presidential pilot who famously commanded Air Force One during the September 11 attacks, served as the keynote speaker for a major fundraising event in Lakeland

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Colonel (Ret.) Mark Tillman, the 12th presidential pilot who famously commanded Air Force One during the September 11 attacks, served as the keynote speaker for a major fundraising event in Lakeland.

The benefit luncheon, titled “Moments in History as Viewed from the Cockpit Window of Air Force One,” was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland. Organized by the Polk Education Foundation, the event was a success, reaching its goal of raising approximately $30,000 for Junior ROTC (JROTC) scholarships.

Highlights

• The Mission: The funds will benefit over 3,000 cadets across more than a dozen JROTC programs in Polk County Public Schools, helping them pursue postsecondary education and careers in aviation or the military.
• A Historic Perspective: Col. Tillman shared firsthand accounts of protecting President George W. Bush on 9/11 and the high-stakes logistics of flying the Commander-in-Chief into a combat zone for a surprise Thanksgiving visit to troops in Iraq in 2003.
• Community Impact: The Polk Education Foundation continues to support local students year-round, having raised nearly $2 million through various initiatives, including these scholarships and mentoring programs.

The event not only provided financial support for local students but also offered them a rare opportunity to hear from a figure who navigated some of the most critical moments in modern American history.