JD Wetterling is an ordained elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and retired Resident Manager of Ridge Haven Conference and Retreat Center in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He's had over 250 op-ed columns and essays published in The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the St. Petersburg Times, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Tampa Tribune, The Des Moines Register, Newsweek.com, World magazine, The American Legion Magazine, Mig Sweep and numerous other periodicals. His novel, Son of Thunder, based on his experiences as a fighter pilot in Vietnam, is a timeless story about love and redemption in America's only lost war. His second book, "No one...," is an invitation to eternity, published by Christian Focus Publications. His latest book, No Time To Waste, is a true story of amazing grace.

In 1968-69, he flew 268 combat missions in an F-100 in Vietnam and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, fourteen Air Medals, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was Top Gun in every fighter squadron in which he served in the USAF.

Since mid-1998, JD has addressed over 100 audiences in all walks of life in all parts of the country, including the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, business, civic and professional groups and conventions, church groups, military groups—active duty and retired—and radio and TV audiences. His motivational messages cover politics, current affairs, business, history, ethics, patriotic themes and "eternal truths."  He is well received everywhere.

Radio credits include KNX/CBS, Los Angeles, Jim Mancow Show on KQWX, Chicago, KZZE, Medford, OR, WTAN, Clearwater, FL, Talkspot (Internet), WHBC, Canton, OH, KVAN, Vancouver, WA, and WTBF, Troy, AL, Decision Today--Billy Graham's nationally syndicated radio ministry, and Heads Up America on WZNN, Asheville, NC.

His roots go back to a farm in western Illinois and a one-room country schoolhouse where he was the only student in his class all eight years of grade school. On that foundation he built a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois, an MBA from the University of Utah, summa cum laude, and a career as a fighter pilot, businessman, speaker, and writer.  JD is a veteran entrepreneur, CFO, CEO, financial consultant, director of profit and non-profit organizations and business columnist. 

Other memberships:  Authors Guild, Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association ("River Rats"), and the Super Sabre Society.   

A personal Invitation   A Tribute to Aviator Friends
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