De Jong graduates from pilot training

Lifelong Canyon Lake resident, 1st Lieutenant Eric De Jong, recently graduated from pilot training in the U.S Air Force. Eric attended California Baptist University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice. He completed phases one and two of Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas. His next assignment will be flying the HH-60G at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

Eric received his wings from parents Caroline and Steve and brother Austin.

Carol said, “Becoming a search and rescue pilot has been a goal for him since he was a little boy,” said Caroline. “We are extremely proud of his accomplishments.”