Ft. Loramie native Jeffrey Patrick Hoying was adopted along with his brothers and sisters by his parents. He was obsessed with airplanes and aviation throughout his life. His love of it began after Father Bob Monnin, priest at the St. Patrick parish gave him a ride in his plane.
Jeff was an all-around student and athlete at Fort Loramie High School. He had natural leadership abilities, according to his cross country coach Ken Sowards, who remembered “He brought to that team the same qualities that allowed him to rise above his classmates in the classroom.” After graduating from high school in 1978, he attended Wilmington College before transferring to and graduating from The Ohio State University in 1982. His goal was to become a high school agricultural teacher.
However, his love for flying never left him. He decided to pursue his dream and joined the United States Air Force in 1983. He enrolled in Embry Riddle University, graduating in 1989 with a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science.
Pilot school was next. His plane of choice turned out to be the A-10 Thunderbolt II. It was affectionately known as the ‘Warthog.’ The purpose of this aircraft was to seek out and kill tanks. He loved his plane “Bavaria” which he displayed at the 1986 Dayton Air Show. He rapidly advanced through the ranks over the next few years. His natural leadership skills resulted in being given assignments as training officer, squadron safety officer, squadron commander and flight commander. Jeff was eventually promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Lt. Col Hoying flew thirty-two missions over Iraq in Operation Southern Watch. After being transferred to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, he logged over 2,400 flying hours. He excelled as a trainer of other pilots. Lt. Col Hoying was rightfully proud of the many pilots he trained who flew missions in Operation Desert Storm.
He was awarded many decorations for his service, including the Air Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
After leaving the service Lt. Col. Hoying worked as a pilot for American Airlines. He flew most of its aircraft, including the Boeing 777, 767, 757, 727 and the Airbus 300.
Jeff Hoying passed away at the early age of 39, while jogging on a track. He left behind a wife and two daughters. Lt. Col. Hoying is interred in Arlington National Cemetery.