Former Bold Tiger prepares for space

by Senior Airman Jeremy L. Mosier
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/16/2015 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho  -- From F-15E Strike Eagle to space shuttle, Col. Jack Fischer, former 391st Fighter Squadron Bold Tiger, was selected for a flight to the International Space Station, where he will be staying for approximately six months.

Fischer was stationed at Mountain Home AFB from 2000 to 2003. During his tenure here he deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, providing close air support for U.S. Special Forces and conducting strikes against Taliban and Al-Qaeda targets.

"We absolutely loved our time as Bold Tigers and Gunfighters," Fischer said. "I felt so proud to be a Gunfighter, and would never trade the memories we have of the amazing base, squadron, and life-long brothers and sisters in arms."

While at Mountain Home, Fischer lived down the street from his wingman from flight school, Col. Brian McCarthy, 366th Operations Group commander.

"He was a great pilot here at Mountain Home, very smart and a very funny guy," McCarthy said. "Everything he did here was geared towards achieving the goal of becoming an astronaut."

Moving forward from being a fighter pilot, Fischer explained becoming an astronaut has always been a dream of his.

"I wanted to be an Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut as long as I can remember," Fischer said. "All of my choices for schools, career path, and direction were always geared for those long term goals."

While preparing for space, Fischer found many similarities between the Air Force mission and his mission as an astronaut. The two simple words that describe them both, "Aim high."

"From its first days, the Air Force was comprised of visionaries looking for the next step," he said. "Whether in air or in space, we have aimed higher and changed the world around us, and not only in the art of war."

He explained the space program is amidst an evolution of exploration, new engines, new rockets, new vehicles and ultimately new possibilities for how space can be used.

"I can't imagine the Air Force not being an integral part of this process," Fischer said. "Air Force Space Command, of which I am a proud member, ensures that the Air Force continues to lead our country, and the world, in our shared future in space."

Being part of Air Force Space Command has given him the opportunity to work alongside members from other countries for his first mission as an astronaut.

"My crew of three, including a Russian commander and Italian crewmate, will carry out a wide variety of scientific experiments, maintenance tasks, and spacewalks as needed," Fischer explained. "One thing I am extremely excited about, is welcoming aboard the first test flights of the commercial crew vehicles from Boeing and Space-X during our mission onboard the ISS."

Even after being presented with the opportunity to join the elite and travel to space, Fischer still maintains a level head.

"It is the dawn of a new age in space travel and I feel humbled to be a part of it at the start," Fischer said.

Conquering his goal to make it to space has taken time and dedication. His determination stemmed from advice from his late father. Fischer recalled his father telling him, 'if you love what you do, you won't work a day in your life, you'll just follow your passion.'

Keeping those wise words in mind he shares his advice for airmen across the globe.

"Find something to love about every assignment, put your all into everything you do and take your experiences to build a foundation upon which any dream is possible," he said. "I dare you to dream."