aim high!
CARL "DUKE" SCHNEIDER
memorial page
WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH!
the life
Carl G. Schneider, Major General, USAF, (Ret) died unexpectedly in Williamson County on April 20, 2023 at age 95. Born in Ralls, Texas, on March 6, 1928, to the late Carl Schneider and Laura Kerlin Schneider, he grew up during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, during which time he decided to become a pilot. According to the “Schneider Legend,” he and his brother, Clyde, decided that flying would be much more comfortable than picking cotton.
Carl joined the Army Air Corps in September 1946. Following basic training at Lackland Field, Texas, he entered aviation cadet training in 1947, completed advanced training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona, and was promoted to second lieutenant. He spent most of his 32 years in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot. Flying more than 30 types of aircraft, he logged over 3000 hours in combat flying with more than a total of 5,000 hours in jet fighters. He graduated from Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, Arizona flying the P-51.
During the Korean War (1950-1951), he flew 100 combat missions in the F-80. He was Ops officer of the 22nd Fighter Squadron at Bitburg, Germany, flying F-100s from 1957-1959. He returned to Korea in the early 70s as the Vice Commander of Air Forces Korea. In 1962 and 1963, he established the Air Liaison Officer/Forward Air Controller system in Vietnam; flew combat missions with the Vietnamese Air Force, went on ground missions with the Vietnamese Army; and helped the U.S. Special Forces teams along the Cambodian and Laotian borders. Later in the war, he flew the F4 Phantom.
He is a graduate of the Squadron Officer’s School, USAF Fighter Weapons School, U.S. Marine Corps Staff College at Quantico, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and the Air War College. He served in many jet fighter units and was Commander (Command Pilot) of three F-100 squadrons at Luke Air Force Base. He was Deputy for Ops when George W. Bush was a student at Moody AFB in Georgia, Logistics Center Commander in Oklahoma, Wing Commander at Moody AFB, Vice Commander at Warner Robins Air Logistics where he received his second star, and Commander of Tinker AFB Logistics Center. He earned his undergraduate degree in business management from Arizona State University and received a master’s degree in international relations from George Washington University. Carl also took a course in Air Power and Air Warfare at Cambridge University in England and was a member of the Quiet Birdmen.
Among his awards and decorations include the following: The Distinguished Service Medal, The Legion of Merit with One Oak Leaf Cluster, The Distinguished Flying Cross With Oak Leaf Cluster, The Meritorious Service Medal, The Air Medal with Six (6) Oak Leaf Clusters, and The Air Force Commendation Medal. He is a member of the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame, the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, and the Commemorative Air Force Museum’s Walk of Honor.
Upon retirement from the Air Force, he pursued a successful career as a business executive in the Phoenix area. In his later years, he moved to the Nashville area, where he was involved in several veterans programs, particularly at colleges and universities. He is the author of two books, Little House on the High Plains, the story of growing up in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. His second book was Jet Pioneer: A Fighter Pilot’s Memoir is about his military service.
General Schneider was preceded in death by his late wife, Elaine, and sisters Joyce Winn and Grace Winn. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Carole Woods Schneider; son, Robert Schneider; daughter, Debi Furches (Eric); grandson, Cory Furches; granddaughter, Lindsay Stuart (Ian); stepdaughter, Laura McLeod; as well as his brothers, Clyde Schneider (Martha) and Dr. Finis Schneider (Eunice); sister JoAnn Lamb; many wonderful nieces and nephews; and close family friends, the Eliasons and Wares.
WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH!
In lieu of flowers, donations were made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 240, Delta Sigma Pi, or Joe Foss Institute at Arizona State University. A memorial service was held at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home in Franklin, TN, on Monday, June 5, at 10:00 a.m. It was live-streamed at www.williamsonmemorial.com.
WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH!
the challenge
Cum descendit, intendit altum
In honor of the legacy of Major General Carl G. Schneider, USAF (Ret) a true pioneer and exemplar of determination, resilience, and aiming high, we present the Cum descendit, intendit altum Challenge Coin. The Latin inscription translates into English as When you are down, aim high.
The challenge is inspired by Major General Schneider's remarkable journey, from humble beginnings during the Great Depression to a distinguished career as a Major General in the U.S. Air Force. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering commitment to always aiming high serve as an inspiration to us all.
Recipients of the challenge coin made in honor of Major General Carl G. Schneider, USAF (Ret), include the following:
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Individuals who served alongside him in the military, encompassing fellow fighter pilots, officers, enlisted personnel, and support staff who shared in his missions and accomplishments.
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Leaders within veterans' organizations, military associations, and academic institutions where Major General Schneider was involved, served alongside him, or furthered his mission.
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Family members, close friends, and colleagues who were touched by his kindness, leadership, and mentorship throughout his life and reciprocated his lifestyle of humility, courage, and service.
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Persons who did not know Carl Schneider but who exemplify his lifestyle of humility, courage, and service may have a challenge coin conferred upon them by persons qualified to issue the challenge coin.
Ultimately, the challenge coin serves as a symbol of honor and respect for all those who were inspired and influenced by Major General Schneider's remarkable life and service to his country and community.
Join us in honoring the legacy of Major General Carl G. Schneider and embracing the spirit of aiming high in the face of adversity. Together, let's rise above challenges and strive for greatness, as each opportunity presents itself.
WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH!
the soar program
thank you...
for joining the SOAR where my wingman Robbie Grayson and I designed a parenting program for boys (it works for girls, too!). Even though I can't be with you to guide you on this leg of your parenting journey, I am certain that the materials below that we created during the last few years of my life will give you the insight, confidence, and success you need to help instill some good old pioneer discipline in your sons. If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to Robbie Grayson in the contact from at the bottom of this page.
Adios!
WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH! WHEN YOU ARE DOWN, AIM HIGH!
VIDEOS
Below, you will find the videos for the SOAR program to be viewed in numbered order. The reading list (under CURRICULUM) is divided according to the pioneer trait discussed. You and your sons can watch the video that corresponds to his reading schedule.
LESSON 1
LESSON 10
CURRICULUM
Below, you will find the Parent Resource Guide that contains more than you need to know (if you're curious enough). Also, you will find the Cadet Schedule in which your son will find his reading list and the lessons that accompany them.
The SITREPS are below that.
PARENT GUIDE
CADET SCHEDULE
1 2 3 4 5
SITREPS
1 2 3 4 5
BOOKS
Little House on the High Plains is the only book your son will need for the parenting program. Both Little House on the High Plains and Jet Pioneer are a click away on Amazon.
CONTACT
If you have any questions or comments about the SOAR Program during the next fourteen days, please, send them in the contact form below. All the best!
Contact me (Robbie Grayson) with any questions you might have.
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