Mystery Classmate 081

Congratulations to Maria Wojtaszek Romanelli, Jeff Hoener, Karen Campbell Ricci, and Maribeth Mahoney Misitis, all of whom correctly identified David Kortyna ('82) as Mystery Classmate #81 and are listed in the order that their responses were received.

In case you were wondering, David spent 14 years on active duty with the US Air Force. He is a pilot and during his active duty career flew the C-12, C-21 and C-141 airplanes, flying all over the world and serving in the Gulf War. In 2000 he left the Air Force to return to the Pittsburgh area, and was hired by American Airlines as a MD80 pilot and by the Pennsylvania Air National Guard to fly the KC-135. Today, David spends most of his time at the ANG where he is a Lieutenant Colonel. His unit was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and David flew missions over there for about eight weeks during the time of major combat operations.

Thanks to Jim Thompson for sending the pic, and to Melissa Mahoney Kortyna for the biographical information.

Several classmates had fond memories of David. Jeff Hoener opined that David looks just like he did in high school, adding, “Many good swim team memories w/ Dave –EMULSIFY!!!!!!!! (all swimmers will remember that cheer).”

Jim Thompson noted that David has been a great friend and role model to him. Jim adds, “I am sure that you will hear much about his brilliant military service, his terrific family, and his fondness for Rum and Coke.” Maribeth Mahoney Misitis identified David as “the other one crawling, most likely to a rum and coke.” Melissa Mahoney Kortyna wrote, “He is a great guy, a terrific father, and I’m very proud of him.”

Donna Andreas Copley guessed Dan Campbell. Brian “S.D.” Stevenson wrote, “I don’t recognize the guy, but the kid owes me $20.” Fellow ’82 classmate Angharad Grimes Stock will be chagrined to have written, “No idea but cute baby.”