A Purpose Beyond Service: Debriefing the High-Flying Career of Alum Lieutenant Colonel Patrick M. McGetrick

Setting the Foundation for Success

The path to success involves connecting a vision with resources, and for Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Patrick McGetrick (‘07), Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus was the perfect place to build his foundation.

Aspiring to be a pilot since childhood, McGetrick enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and joined the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 028. He was drawn by the program’s size and the opportunities it provided. As a bonus, the campus was near his hometown of Tucson, Arizona.

His decision paid off.

Nearly 20 years later, McGetrick serves as the senior executive officer of Air Forces Southern, U.S. Southern Command, at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. McGetrick’s role involves complex operational planning, mentoring junior officers and bridging tactical and strategic decision making.

His extensive career includes more than 3,000 flight hours, over 1,500 combat hours and participation in key operations such as Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve. Recently, he engaged in the nation’s first space-centric Intermediate Developmental Education (IDE) curriculum, emphasizing the growing importance of space strategy.

Visiting Prescott Campus in the winter of 2025, McGetrick shared his valuable career insights with cadets in Embry-Riddle’s Leadership Laboratory (LLAB) course—an AFROTC practicum hosted by Detachment 028 students, meeting a nationwide requirement for officers in training.

We caught up with McGetrick to discuss his journey and how Embry-Riddle helped shape his career.

From Electrical Engineering to the Cockpit

What inspired you to study electrical engineering at Embry-Riddle?

“At the time, I was told that engineers make good pilots. I couldn’t afford college, but I was able to get an electrical engineering scholarship through ROTC, which Embry-Riddle matched to make it a full ride.”

How did your time at Embry-Riddle prepare you for the Air Force?

“The degree was difficult, which made everything else easier—especially flying. The way Embry-Riddle teaches engineering, it’s like working in the aerospace industry. The concepts became clear when I started flying.”

Looking back, what’s your favorite memory from Embry-Riddle?

“The camaraderie in the King [Engineering and Technology Center] building with the other electrical engineers. We suffered through long nights together, and the professors—many with military experience—understood that and helped us through.”

A Career in Service

What motivated you to join the Air Force?

“When I was 12, I went to an air show in Fort Huachuca. Seeing the aircraft up close was amazing. I convinced my dad to help me pursue my goal, taking flight lessons until I ran out of money. The Air Force became my best option—they would pay for training, and I’d get to do cool things. I considered the academy but didn’t like the lifestyle, so I chose Embry-Riddle and ROTC.”

Of all the aircraft you’ve flown or missions you’ve been involved with, do you have a favorite?

“The T-6 and teaching new student pilots, particularly NATO students at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT).”

Can you share a particularly challenging or rewarding experience from your deployments?

“Working with intelligence agencies in Afghanistan at night—conducting aerial surveillance, directing ground forces and managing a stack of aircraft. It was challenging but extremely rewarding.”

Leadership and Growth

How has your leadership style evolved over time?

“I didn’t initially understand that I’d be a leader. I got leadership training at Embry-Riddle, but as a pilot, there weren’t many chances to apply it early on. Around four years in, I started recognizing leadership styles I admired and shaped my own. Leadership is a learning process—don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”

Advice for Future Leaders

What advice would you give to Embry-Riddle students pursuing military or aviation careers?

“Set realistic, achievable goals and be willing to adjust them as needed. If you don’t have a vision for what you want to do, you won’t know how to get there.”

For students considering ROTC, what should they focus on?

“Participate and ask questions but prioritize academics. Your degree is what gets you commissioned.”

Given your experience in air, space and cyber operations, where do you see the future heading?

“We’re moving more toward space operations. The commercial sector is accelerating space development faster than aviation ever grew. Space is becoming the next major domain for military and industry professionals.”

A Legacy of Service

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

“My family. As a cadet, I didn’t understand the importance of having a strong support system. During deployments, having a family to come home to gives you a purpose beyond service. Another accomplishment was simply making it through pilot training—it’s not automatic and requires 100% effort.”

What’s changed at Embry-Riddle since your time here?

“The campus has expanded and invested in new programs to attract more students. The number of degrees has increased—I wish mechanical engineering had been an option when I was here. The growth is impressive.”

The Embry-Riddle Advantage

Lt. Col. Patrick McGetrick’s journey highlights the importance of a strong foundation. His education at Embry-Riddle combined rigorous academics with real-world application, preparing him for a career in service and leadership. His story showcases how education, discipline and ambition can lead to success. What began with a vision ends with a mission—one that he continues to serve.

For those ready to explore their passions and make a difference in the world, Embry-Riddle offers the mentorship, tools and hands-on experience to turn aspirations into achievements.

Learn more about how Embry-Riddle can help you reach new heights—visit our Prescott Campus website, our Department of Computer, Electrical and Software Engineering website or contact Admissions today.