12th OG deputy wins dogfight with cancer, returns to flying status
Col. David Drichta, 12th Operations Group deputy commander, his wife Shannon, and daughters, Natalie and Allison, are recognized in the 435th Fighter Training Squadron after Drichta’s first flight back after his battle with cancer at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas June 19, 2013. Drichta was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in February 2012 and, after more than a year in recovery, was medically cleared to return to flight status. The flight marked his return to flight status as well as his 3,000th flight hour in Air Force aircraft. (Courtesy photo by Stacy Nyikos)