Russ has enjoyed flying since a young age, when his dad, who was a career helicopter pilot would take him on flights around the region. He attended Southern Oregon University where he received degrees in Business Management and Geography. After college, Russ began firefighting where he spent 5 seasons working on a Forest Service Hotshot Crew. Although there are only a few things in life better than not showering for weeks at a time, digging in the dirt, and throwing brush around, Russ realized it was time for a change after seeing the retardant planes and helicopters do their thing. He began flying in January 2008 here in Central Oregon, and hasn't missed getting dirty yet!

   In his spare time, Russ enjoys snow skiing, mt. biking, riding 4-wheelers at the dunes, and will never back down to a ping-pong or bowling challenge. He would someday enjoy a career in fire-aviation.