AMP Talk: An Evening with Colonel Alton Whitley, USAF (Ret)

An evening of stories from Vietnam to Desert Storm, alongside the five-story mural that honors Colonel Alton Whitley's legacy.

As she began conceiving her mural, AMP Founder Ellen Griesedieck knew she wanted to include a military worker; she just needed the right subject. After reading about the Air Force pilot who first tested the top secret Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk, Ellen went on her own reconnaissance mission: find Colonel Alton “Al” Whitley. Like anyone in the path of Whitley’s stealth fighter, the U.S. Air Force veteran didn’t know what was about to hit him. When the two met, she knew she had found the right guy.

For the first time, Col. Whitley will be appearing at AMP to discuss his long career leading dangerous combat missions in Vietnam and Thailand, as well as leading the 37th Fighter Wing into combat during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Over his twenty six-year career in the U.S. Air Force, he has led squadrons while piloting the F-100 Super Sabre, the A-713 Corsair, F-117A Nighthawk, A-7 Corsair II, FS-E Aggressor, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Due to his courage in battle and exceptional leadership qualities, Al has received many top military honors including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. After his retirement from active duty, Al has dedicated his life to education serving as the Director of the Air Force Junior ROTC program, and as an Aerospace Science Instructor for high school students.

With our soaring mural (featuring Al piloting his F-117!) providing an epic skyline, Connecticut World Affairs Council Executive Director Megan Torrey joins Col. Whitley and Ellen for an insightful and inspiring conversation sure to cover his high-flying experiences, education, and beyond.

𝗩𝗜𝗣 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
AMP is delighted to offer attendees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with Colonel Whitley while also supporting our mission. 𝗩𝗜𝗣 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 guests will receive a private tour of the mural before the talk at 5pm, priority seating during the program, and access to an intimate post-event reception with Al and Ellen. The reception includes a meet and greet with photo opportunity, complimentary wine/beer, a signed poster, and an additional chance to ask questions of a decorated war hero. Tickets for the 𝗩𝗜𝗣 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 are extremely limited, so reserve early!

In partnership with New England Air Museum.