Captain Steve Ritchie, flying with the 555 (Triple Nickel) TFS in 1972, became the Air Forces' only Pilot Ace of teh SEA conflict and the only American pilot ever to down 5 MIG-21's. In almost 60 years, he is our only Air Force Pilot Ace and maybe the last U.S. Fighter Pilot Ace in the History of Aerial Combat. In some 5,000 speeches worldwide, he has told how he may not have survived 800 hours of combat had it not been for thousands of devoted military and civilian professionals in the support arena. Realizing less than 4% of AF personnel are pilots, Gen. Ritchie dedicates his prgrams to the entire maintenance, support and industrial team that made it possible and to all KIA, MIA and POWs. In 2000 and 2001, General Ritchie flew the world's only operational civilian F-4 at airshows across the United states. In 2007 and 2008, he was #2 in a flight of 3 privately owned F-104 starfighters at airshows and special events nationwide.

General Ritchie has a chapter in the book, Speaking of Flying, with 44 great aviation stories. He donates the proceeds to TAPS. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Surviviors, Inc. (TAPS.org) is a national non-profit organization made up of, and providing services to, all those who have lost a loved one while serving in the Armed Forces. The heart of TAPS is the national military survivor peer support network, which offers grief counseling referral, case worker assistance and crisis information. These services are provided 24 hours a day, free of charge. TAPS also accepts donations and volunteer assistance.

Steve Ritchie is the only Air Force Academy Fighter Pilot Ace, the only Air Force Pilot Ace in over 60 years, and the only American Pilot ever to down 5 MIG-21 enemy fighter airplanes. He is the 1972 winner of the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates Col. James Jabara Award and the 1973 Mackay Trophy for the most significant Air Force mission of the year. Having flown over 800 hours of combat during 339 missions, he is one of the most decorated Air Force Pilots in Military History. A member of the 1963 Air Force Academy Falcon Football Gator Bowl team and the Air Force Academy Class of 1964. Retired Brig. General Steve Ritchie.