Decorah Native Leads F-35 Flyover at White House State Ceremony as America Observes 250 Years

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. WASHINGTON D.C. — Decorah native Major Grant Schwartz, a 2011 graduate of Decorah High School, took part in a high-profile national event on Tuesday, April 28, leading a four-ship formation of U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter jets over the South Lawn of the White House. "It was an awesome experience that was made possible by a lot of people behind the scenes," Major Schwartz said. "It doesn't feel like that long ago that I was learning to fly at the Decorah airport with Mike Connell." The flyover, which occurred at around 11:00 a.m., was part of a traditional State Arrival Ceremony honoring the visit of England's Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla. The ceremony, dating back to the 18th century, also included the playing of both nations' national anthems and a 21-gun salute. Reflecting on the precision required for the moment, Major Schwartz said, "A lot of math was going through my mind as I was trying to make the timing work. We were getting updates via radio from a team on the roof of the White House, and it was all based on the timing of the President's speech, so we had to be flexible." Watch: The moment of the flyover is captured by USATODAY as England's Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla along with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump look on. Schwartz trained to fly the F-35 at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona, where his preparation included six weeks of academic and simulated instruction using a full cockpit replica with a 360-degree projection system. After graduating from Decorah High School, Major Schwartz attended the University of Minnesota–Duluth, earning a degree in biology. He was commissioned into the Air Force through ROTC and completed pilot training and combat preparation in Columbus, Mississippi, before advancing to F-35 training. For Schwartz's family, the moment carries deep meaning. "We are proud of Grant and his career so far in the USAF. He has worked very hard to get to where he is," said his father, Brad Schwartz. He noted the family's strong military ties, adding that Grant's wife, Kristin, is a U.S. Air Force Reserve C-17 pilot, and both of Grant's grandfathers also served. "We are all very proud of Grant's service to our country." Brad Schwartz also reflected on the support his son received from the Decorah community. He recalled a severe leg injury Grant suffered during his senior year of high school football, saying, "The team, the coaches, as well as the community warmly cared for him with many visits and encouraging messages during the recovery from his season-ending injury. Grant was humbled and never forgot that experience. He has always been proud to tell others where he is from." Despite his accomplishments, Brad emphasized his son's humility. "If you were to meet him, you would never know he is one of but a few F-35 fighter pilots. He is very unassuming and humble," he said. "Grant is always up for a challenge. He hates to lose at anything, which he uses as a drive to succeed. When he does 'win', he does so with humility." "There was a point growing up where I almost didn't pursue flying as a career, as I didn't think it would be a realistic option," Major Schwartz said. "But if you are determined and work hard, you can do a lot more than you think you're capable of." Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.