1st Lt Dale Bryant Shillington II
1st Lieutenant Dale Bryant Shillington II was born 12 July 1991, to Kevin and Sue Shillington. Dale grew up in Lawrence, KS, where he graduated from Lawrence Free State High School in 2009. At Lawrance Free State High School, he enjoyed playing soccer and golf, and met the love of his life, Courtney.
In 2009, Dale attended the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs for his undergraduate degree on an Air Force scholarship. While in college, Dale completed the Air Force ROTC program in Boulder, Colorado. Aspiring to be like his late grandfather and namesake, 1st Lt. Dale Bryant Shillington, USAF, a B-24 Liberator pilot in WWII, Dale earned a slot to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). In May 2013, Dale was awarded his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, and was assigned to Vance Air Force Base in Enid, OK, for UPT. After completing Initial Flight Screening (IFS) in Pueblo, CO, Dale returned to Vance to continue his training in the T-6 Texan II. Through his sheer determination, hard work, and dedication, Dale earned the opportunity to fly the T-38C Talon. Dale's passion for flying encouraged leadership to select Dale as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP) for the T- 38C upon earning his pilot wings in August 2015.
In his short time in the Air Force, Dale was recognized for his effort and loyalty by receiving the Leadership Award and the Risner "Wingman" Award in his flight class JSUPT 15-13. In addition, he was awarded the Crane Award as the top pilot among 850 in the 2015 Pilot Instructor Training classes in San Antonio, TX. Dale married Courtney Elyse Moore on 20 May 2013 in Las Vegas, NV. The couple resided in Enid, OK. Together, they filled their weekends with backyard BBQ's with friends and family, trips to new places, and DIY projects. They loved spending time with their dogs, Sadie and Sampson, who also participated in Dale and Courtney's marathon training. Dale's personality left a lasting impression on everyone who met him. On 21 Jul 2016, Dale departed this earth doing what he loved, flying in an airplane. Dale is survived by his wife, Courtney Shillington (Moore), parents Kevin and Sue Shillington (Carrow) of Sacramento, CA, brother Chad Higbie (wife Paula and son Harrison) of Lawrence, KS, sister Kristin Shillington of Niceville, FL, grandparents Jack and Nancy Carrow of Wellsville, KS, grandmother LaVonne Shillington of Manhattan, KS, his father in law and mother in law Allen and Paige Moore of Lawrence, KS, sister in law Lindsey Moore and fiance Brad Emge of Lansing, Il., along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
Every spring semester, Det 105 cadets are able to compete for a memorial scholarship in honor of 1st Lieutenant Dale Bryant Shillington II.