Photo By Calhoun KC | U.S. Air Force Capt. Dylan Brown, executive officer at headquarters of the Georgia Air...... read more read more
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MARIETTA, Ga. – As a high school student climbing into a family friend’s Piper PA-28 Cherokee aircraft for the first time, Capt. Dylan Brown, executive officer at Georgia Air National Guard Headquarters, discovered more than the thrill of flying. As he watched Georgia disappear beneath the wings, he found a passion that would shape his career and inspire him to help others pursue opportunities inscience, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Brown’s dedication to aviation, engineering and mentorship recently earned him recognition as one of 2026 University of Georgia’s 40 Under 40. While honored by the recognition, Brown believes his greatest impact comes from encouraging the next generation to pursue careers in aviation and STEM.
“Personally, I see it as a sign that I’ve done some things that are notable, but at the same time, the job’s not finished,” explained Brown. “It’s only a reminder to keep going and continue to remain connected within a community because ultimately, that’s what I care about.”
Curiosity followed Brown long before he climbed into the cockpit of an aircraft. The son of immigrants and a first-generation American raised by a single mother, Brown developed a fascination with aviation and engineering by learning how things worked.
“Aviation, it’s something I’ve always been concerned with or intrigued by as a kid,”recalled Brown.“I enjoyed building things, developing things and figuring out why it works, breaking it apart and having to put it back together.”
That fascination became the launching point for a career defined by aviation, service and mentorship.
After receiving his first college tuition bill, Brown searched for a way to pursue his dream while working multiple jobs to support himself. A friend introduced him to the Georgia Air National Guard, encouraging him to join as another path forward. What began as a conversation about the Georgia Air National Guard became the foundation of Brown’s career and a lesson he now shares with others.
“The military was probably the pivotal moment in my career that helped shape who I am today,”noted Brown.“Learning from others of different experiences, learning about investing and resources, and asking for help all stemmed from military training. That’s why now I won’t leave the Georgia Air National Guard.”
The Georgia Air National Guard shaped more than Brown’s aviation career. It reinforced the importance of service and investing in others, values he now shares by speaking with students from elementary school through college about careers in aviation and STEM.
Brown’s commitment to investing in others extends beyond the classroom. While training at a flight school, he met an aspiring pilot who lacked a strong support system. Although they had known each other for only a short time, Brown chose to support the individual’s journey.
“They didn’t have much support, and it’s easier to get through things when you have support,” said Brown. “I’ll always be willing to support somebody. Everybody needs somebody.”
Years later, the aspiring pilot is now flying professionally for an airline, reinforcing Brown’s belief that investing in others can have a lasting impact.
“All it takes is one conversation that can spark a life change,”said Brown.
Looking back on his own journey, Brown hopes the encouragement he offers today will inspire others to pursue their own passions and eventually become mentors themselves. Whether through aviation, military service or everyday conversations, he believes investing in others creates a lasting impact.
“I hope to live a life of compassionate connection, "reflected Brown. “I hope that I continue to have a lasting impact and inspire others to start their own journey and become leaders. That’s the goal of a mentor-mentee relationship, that I want my mentees to become mentors one day.”
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2026 09:49 |
| Story ID: | 571778 |
| Location: | MARIETTA, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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