Lt. Colonel Daniel R. Fierro, USAF, (Ret.) (1931 – 2007) was a long-time resident of North Kingstown, and  served in the Strategic Air Command (SAC), first flying B47s and then B52s. His USAF duty included several tours supporting the Vietnam engagement, including tours in Guam and Thailand.

In 1968, Dan was promoted to Director of Academic Training, Castle Air Force Base, Merced CA, where he developed his interest in teaching the art of flying and the importance of military service. Dan held this position until his retirement in 1973.

Still wanting to stay involved in the Air Force, and pursuing his interest in educating young people, Dan, along with Master Sergeant Robert Kreyssig, USAF, (Ret) accepted the challenge of creating and directing the Coventry High School Air Force Jr. ROTC program, which they ran for more than 10 years. Another highlight of his educational career was Dan’s selection as an alternate for the Space Shuttle ‘Teacher in Space Project’.

During his time in Rhode Island, Dan satisfied his own passion for flying in a Cessna 150, and then a Piper 140. After earning his pilot instructor rating, Dan established and operated Astoria Aviation at Quonset Point, focused on private pilot lessons. During his 22 retirement years, Dan passed on both his knowledge of and passion for flying to dozens of aircraft and pilot enthusiasts. Dan was a long-time RI resident, an active leader and participant in aviation throughout his career, and an avid support of RI-based aviation and military organizations.