Military Service

U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel

Experience

24 years served

Future

Seeking a career in small business

Location

Olathe, KS

About Joe

Joe Crane graduated from the University of Kansas in 1990 and accepted a commission as a 2ndLt in the U.S. Marine Corps. After completing flight school Joe served as an AH-1W Super Cobra pilot deploying to Okinawa, Japan and South Korea. Joe transferred to the reserves in 1998 while continuing to fly the AH-1W and began a career in the Airlines flying for Atlantic Southeast Airlines and Delta Airlines in Atlanta, GA. Following the events of Sep. 11th 2001, Joe returned to active duty and completed two combat tours in Iraq flying the AH-1W. In 2010 Joe transferred to Ft. Leavenworth, KS where he served as the Deputy Director/Executive Officer of the Marine Element at the U. S. Army's Command and General Staff College. Joe retired from the Marine Corps as a LtCol in 2013 after 24 years of service.

After retirement, Joe returned to his flying job at Delta Airlines where he is a pilot flying the B-717. He recently founded the non-profit "Speaking of Heroes" a speakers bureau and podcast that gives veterans a chance to tell their story. Additionally, he is the founder of the "Veteran on the Move" podcast that guides veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.

Joe is originally from Overland Park, KS and now lives in Olathe, KS with his wife Kelly and their four children. Joe's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, 8 Air Medals - 6 Strike Flight and 2 Individual Heroic Action, Iraq Campaign Medal and Korean Service Medal