This month, we’re excited to introduce Kenneth Aldredge, one of AMSG’s newest Team Members who brings a wealth of experience and a love for aviation to everything he does. Kenneth, who serves as an Aviation Ground Support, Joint Capabilities Integration Development System analyst, for the United States Marine Corps, on the Combat Development Directorate, Technical Operations Support Services, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract, has been with AMSG for just over a year, but his journey started long before joining our team.
Originally from Northern Nevada, Kenneth grew up in the Reno/Tahoe/Carson city area. After high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he served for 26 years as an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Specialist. He also worked as an Embassy Guard for U.S. Missions in Montevideo, Uruguay, and Moscow, Russia, and served as an aircrewman for the C-12 King Air 350. “I had the opportunity to travel, deploy, and be stationed around the world, working with some amazing people,” says Kenneth. Now, he’s using his extensive background to contribute to the AMSG team and our federal government partners.
When he’s not busy with work, Kenneth is deeply involved in his hobby – flying model aircraft. He first started flying model planes in 2007. But his love for aviation began much earlier. “As a kid, they were way too expensive, and the best I could do was small rubber band powered models,” recalls Kenneth. But his passion for aviation stayed with him.
It wasn’t until much later, as an adult, that he really got into flying model aircraft. “I was home on leave visiting my dad, and he was given a partially built kit of a biplane,” says Kenneth. “Over several visits, we finished the kit together and were able to find a local club with an instructor to help teach me how to fly it. Once I was confident enough, we flew the biplane, and I was pretty much hooked.” Kenneth enjoys flying large-scale aerobatic aircraft and building WWII and racing planes. “These models let me fly my own airshow with my favorite planes, the same ones I used to watch when I was growing up,” he says.
The most enjoyable part of flying model aircraft for Kenneth is the concentration it requires. “All you can think about is what you and the aircraft are doing during the flight,” he says. It’s a hobby that demands focus and skill, and Kenneth has developed an impressive range of talents over the years, from understanding aerodynamics and small engines, to troubleshooting, and parts fabrication.
Although he hasn’t participated in any official competitions, Kenneth has been a part of numerous fly-ins hosted by local clubs. These events, which he’s attended from Texas to Northern Virginia, allow him to meet fellow aviation enthusiasts and share experiences. “The community and camaraderie at these events are amazing,” he says. “You meet people from all walks of life who share the same love for aviation.”
For Kenneth, flying model aircraft is also a great way to unwind. The creative problem-solving involved in building and repairing planes helps him focus entirely on the task at hand and pull his attention away from the outside world. “If it works, the plane flies; if it doesn’t, I collect the parts and try again,” he shares.
Looking ahead, Kenneth has big plans for his hobby. His short-term goal is to finish building the model he started with the help of AMSG’s Hobby Program, and in the long term, he’s considering exploring jet turbine models. But his passion for aviation doesn’t stop at model aircraft. Kenneth earned his private pilot license in 2019 and later completed his instrument rating. And although he had to put his commercial rating on hold in 2021 due to a move to Quantico, he plans to resume his flight training this year.
Kenneth’s advice for anyone interested in getting started with model aircraft? “Check out a local club. Most have a beginner flight program with a club trainer that can help you learn to fly,” he advises. “And if you become more interested after that, buy a good RC flight simulator. The little red reset button on the controller will save you a ton of money.”
Next time you see or talk to Kenneth, ask him about his latest flying adventures or plans for his next build.
Written By: Kenneth Aldredge and Juania Owens