‘Top Gun’ graduate returning to Red Oak for Junction Days

RED OAK — As part of the Junction Days celebration this weekend, a Red Oak High School graduate and graduate of the Air Force’s Top Gun fighter pilot program will be signing copies of his autobiography Saturday afternoon.

Eric Artzer will be signing his recently published “Reach For the Sky” motivational autobiography at the Pudgy Pumpkin Gift Shop at 512 N. 4th Street Saturday from noon-2 p.m.

Artzer will also be displaying his flight gear from 8-10:30 a.m. in the adjoining Fountain Square Park.

According to a press release, “Reach For the Sky” takes the reader on a real-life roller coaster ride revealing how to achieve success.

Artzer tells stories off his childhood while comparing those experiences with that of any child or young adult – regardless of social stature, location, monetary income or color of skin.

The book begins with childhood experiences then transitions to adulthood revealing how everyday lessons in life can be used to your advantage while reaching for your dreams. The book tells of an average child growing up in small town Iowa who dreamed of someday flying fighter aircraft. That day arrived so the question is, “How can you achieve your childhood dreams?”

“We live in a world full of excuses, full of deniability by which we use as a defense mechanism to avoid failure and rejection,” Artzer said. “Because of that, many view successful people as “lucky” or “rich to begin with”. Success hinges on setting goals for yourself, attaining those goals, and living your life the way YOU want – to work with happiness defines “success”; not how much money you earn.”

Artzer’s Background

Artzer grew up in Red Oak graduating from high school in 1990.

Immediately following high school, Eric enrolled in the Airframe & Powerplant program at Iowa Western Community College, graduating with an Associate’s Degree in 1992.

He joined the USAF in 1992 with the dream of flying fighter aircraft. Entering the Air Force as an F-16 Avionics Technician and then moving onto an Electronic Principles instructor and Military Training Instructor (MTI) at Lackland AFB, TX, he continued pursuing his dream by finishing his Bachelor’s Degree in Education while applying to become an officer and enter flight training.

After multiple attempts, the USAF agreed that he met all qualification and entered flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola in 1999. Since earning his wings, Artzer has become the lead instructor in the F-15E by attending Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun), graduating in 1995 from the six-month program at Nellis AFB, NV and completing his Masters Degree in Aeronautical Education.

Artzer’s deployed and flown combat missions numerous times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Northern Watch (ONW), and Operation Noble Eagle (ONE).

Artzer’s grandparents are Dick and Pat Myers who owned the skating rink in Red Oak as well as the bowling alley. Artzer’s mother and stepfather now operate the bowling alley – Pam and Phil Schoening.