Preston McConnell graduated from Habersham Central High School in 1991. Since then, he’s been flying high (literally).
After attending the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned a civil engineering degree and lettered in football, McConnell built a successful career in the United States Air Force. He became an A-10 fighter pilot and instructor and earned the elite status of “top gun” in the A-10 Air Force community.
McConnell left active duty in 2008 and joined the Air Force Reserves. He now serves as the 442nd Deputy Operations Group Commander.
Deployed to stations and assigned to missions around the world, McConnell has logged over 400 hours of combat time, more than 3500 hours of A-10 flight time, and over 1000 hours of instructor time. He was named USAF Reserve Command’s Safety Officer of the Year in 2021.
442d Fighter Wing Commander Brigadier General Stephen Nester calls Lt. Col. McConnell “a legend in the A-10 community.”
Now, this HCHS alum is being honored by his alma mater.
READ McConnell’s full bio here
Lifetime Achievement Award
McConnell has been selected to receive the 2023 HCHS Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes not only his service to the country but also his contributions to his community.
Lt. Col. Stephen Chappell, who has worked with McConnell for the past 15 years, supported his nomination for the award. He describes McConnell as “a great example of someone who blends in his family, friends, and faith to recharge his busy work life.” Chappell also noted McConnell’s “ability to spiritually lift people during stressful periods by sincerely listening and providing tangible advice.”
In addition to pointing out that McConnell’s “top gun” status puts him among “the best of the best and top 1% of all A-10 pilots in the Air Force,” BG Nester says McConnell excels in other areas of his life, including faith, family, leadership in his community, and professionalism in his career.
Preston McConnell and his wife, Michelle, live in Lees Summit, Missouri. They have six children: Zachary, Joshua, Madelin, Savannah, Noah, and Hope. McConnell serves as a leader for AWANA Truth and Training at Summit Woods Baptist Church. He is also the offensive coordinator for the football team at Summit Christian Academy.
Habersham Central High School will welcome McConnell home to Raider Stadium on May 26th for this year’s graduation ceremony. He’ll be the featured guest speaker.
The high school has honored three other alumni with its Lifetime Achievement Award since the award program began in 2020. Past recipients include Dr. Stacy Nicholson (Class of ’77), Dr. Emily Foster Howell (Class of ’96), and Marlan Wilbanks, Class of ’79 (2022).
