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The McHenry Family:

A Legacy of Service in Aviation

by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director,
Naples Airport Authority

t Naples Airport, we “We always gave them that goal-oriented
are proud to be part of approach,” he said. “Think of that college
A a community shaped by experience as a means to an end.”
aviation pioneers whose passion Chuck’s own aircraft are a familiar sight at
and service inspire future generations. One Naples Airport. He co-owns a T-28 North American Trojan, a
of those individuals is retired Col. Chuck post-WWII fighter trainer still used in air shows and formation
McHenry, a former Air Force fighter pilot, flights.
mentor and Naples resident whose story is deeply woven into “Folks always know that airplane is flying because it’s just
the fabric of our airport and our region. such a beefy airplane,” he said. “We’re about the only airplanes in
Chuck’s aviation journey began in 1972 when he entered the Naples Airport that take off in formation like the Thunderbirds
United States Air Force Academy straight out of high school. do.”
“I was the first in my area that went to the United States Air He also flies a 1948 Stinson taildragger, training for future
Force Academy,” he said. “I passed through the Academy as a opportunities in WWII-era aircraft, which he called a “very
Boy Scout, and that just kind of solidified my desire to go.” challenging” and different type of flying, saying it requires a
That desire led to a distinguished career flying the A-10 different level of focus and thinking about every takeoff and every
Thunderbolt II, with 13 years of active duty and more than 20 landing.
years in the reserves, plus a career as an American Airlines pilot. Chuck’s rapport with the Naples Airport Authority is built on
After the birth of the second of his three daughters, he and his mutual respect and collaboration.
family moved to Naples, where he’s resided since 1998. “We’ve gone so far as to actually take some of the
Today, Chuck continues to serve as a retired reserve officer tower controllers up in our back seats so they have a better
and admissions liaison for both the Air Force Academy and Air understanding of what we’re doing,” he said
Force ROTC, working with students across Southwest Florida. His story is one of service, mentorship and family. The Naples
“I still have a mission to do in the Air Force,” he said. “It’s Airport Authority is honored to support aviators like Col.
my way of giving back.” McHenry, whose presence enriches the airfield and inspires future
Chuck’s commitment to aviation is matched only by generations.
the accomplishments of his three daughters, each of whom About the Author
followed in his footsteps. His daughters – Schaeffer, Kate and Chris Rozansky, C.M., is executive director of the Naples Airport
Emma – grew up with the Air Force Academy experience Authority.
always a part of their vocabulary. Want to learn more about the Naples Airport?
His daughters have gone on to serve in diverse aviation Check out our FAQ’s at www.flynaples.com/faq
roles. He said their success is a testament to the opportunities For a tour of the airport, or to arrange for a speaker at your group’s
available in Naples and the values instilled in them. next meeting, call (239) 643-0733
Schaeffer graduated from the Air Force Academy in For more information, visit the Naples Airport Authority’s website
2017 and now flies C-17s. Kate earned her private pilot’s at www.flynaples.com
license while still in high school, thanks to the James C. Ray Want to learn more about the NAA?
Scholarship Foundation in Collier County. She graduated Visit the FAQ page of our website (flynaples.com/faq), or invite
from the Academy in 2020 and is an airfield operations a member of our team to speak with your group.
flight commander. Emma graduated from the Academy in
2022 and now works in public affairs for the Air Force F-35
demonstration team.

20 www.LifeInNaples.net