After graduating from Desert Vista High School in 2016, Jack went on to play collegiate golf at New Mexico State University until 2018. Jack then made the decision to head back to Arizona and focus on his schoolwork and career. He earned an accounting degree from Grand Canyon University while completing his Private and Certified Flight Instrument Instructor pilot license in Arizona. After working as a corporate accountant for three years, Jack had a yearning to serve his country and apply for the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Currently, 2nd Lt. Jack Snyder is stationed at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. Jack also recently completed his first phase of Undergraduate Pilot Training where he earned his pilot wings this past February flying a Texan single engine turboprop Aircraft at Vance Air Force Base, Jack is entering his second phase of pilot training while flying a T-1 Jayhawk twin-engine jet for advanced pilot training, which he hopes to complete this June.
He then will be relocating to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas where he will begin to train in a C5M Galaxy, the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory, used for strategic transport. Once Jack completes all required flight training, he plans to fly C5’s from Travis Air Force Base, in Northern California.
When asked how competing in junior golf most of his life helped prepare him for this moment, Jack replied, “The most important thing golf has taught me though is how to handle pressure. Playing competitive golf has been a tremendous part of where I am today. The difficulty of what golf asks from you every day, especially in competition makes anything you want to accomplish in life that much easier.”
Embodying the spirit of determination, 2nd Lt. Jack Snyder champions aspiring Air Force Pilots and people pursuing their dreams with resounding encouragement.
“For those who want to become an Air Force Pilot or chase their dream, I would say go for it…because at the end of the day it will always be worth it 10x over! Nothing will be more rewarding than waking up every day motivated to become better and accomplishing what you love!” said 2nd Lt. Jack Snyder.
On behalf of the JGAA and the Arizona golf community, we would like to salute and thank Jack for sharing his story on his patriotism and unwavering devotion to protect and serve his country with the U.S. Air Force. We look forward to supporting Jack along the way as he chases his dreams.
