Max Sebby is an esteemed U.S. Air Force Veteran and former pilot. Guided by a passion for history and astronautical engineering, Andrew’s path led him to the prestigious Air Force Academy.
Family Background
Max Sebby grew up in Palm Springs, California, in a family with diverse occupations. His father worked in a small business, while his mother worked as a social worker. Additionally, Andrew has an older brother named Alex Sebby, who served in the U.S. Marines from 1999 to 2003.
Alex’s time in the military included a posting at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma during the September 11th events, which almost led him to the Iraq War. Regarding Max’s decision to join the military, opinions within the family were varied. While his mom disagreed about his enlistment, his dad and cousin Matt strongly supported his choice.
The opportunity to attend the prestigious U.S. Air Force Academy was deemed a life-changing one, providing Max with an exceptional path.
Before the Military
Before going on his military journey, Max Sebby had some interesting jobs. During summer holidays, he worked on a farm in Nebraska, bailing hay, which likely gave him a taste of hard work and resilience.
In middle school, he took on the responsibility of cleaning his father’s office, learning the value of discipline and dedication from a young age. Max left behind his family in Minot, North Dakota. Although he didn’t have much to part with, the sense of leaving home carried emotional weight.
Choosing the Air Force Academy
Max’s educational voyage unfolded in the sunny landscapes of Palm Springs, California, where he attended primary and secondary schools. Later on, he continued his academic pursuits at Minot High School in North Dakota before going on to his military service.
In 2000, at 18 years old, Max made a life-defining choice to join the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. His decision was driven by a desire to graduate from a place of honor and excellence, even though he knew the academy’s demanding reputation.
After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 2006, his entrance was backed by a recommendation from prior Senator Byron L. Dorgan.
Life at the Air Force Academy was no easy ride, demanding rigorous physical fitness standards, including the challenging Physical Fitness Test (PFT), which required him to be a fast runner.
Despite the challenges, Max wholeheartedly embraced the opportunities that lay ahead. He’s driven by a deep conviction to join the Air Force, which he considers to be an exceptional and fulfilling career path.
The Skybound Journey of Max Sebby
Throughout his five years at the Air Force Academy, Max pursued diverse fields of study. He completed a bachelor’s in history, driven by his love for the subject, especially space history. Witnessing the Challenger incident in 1987 was an impactful experience of his.
Later, he shifted his focus to astronautical engineering, a program that solidified his passion for aviation and space exploration.
During his time at the Air Force Academy, Max was able to fly remarkable aircraft, such as F16, F35, F15, and F22 fighters.
Max would always cherish the thrill of breaking the sound barrier in an F15. His journey to becoming a pilot started when he got his private pilot’s license in high school, which allowed him to fly planes even before joining the Air Force Academy.
During a vacation in Japan, he got to fly helicopters with Major Putts at Kadena, which was memorable! Being a fighter pilot had its ups and downs, but it was a defining part of Max’s life that he’d never forget.
Assignments Across the Globe
Max’s military career took him on an adventurous journey to various assignments around the world:
- Vandenberg Air Force Base
Max’s expertise shone as he worked with precision on Atlas 4 and Delta 2 rockets, mastering the art of aerospace engineering.
- San Antonio, Minot, and Beale Air Force Base
Embracing his role in nuclear missile engineering, Max displayed unwavering dedication while executing B52 patterns, contributing to national security.
- Incirlik Air Base, Turkey
Among the captivating landscapes of Turkey, Max fearlessly took to the skies, skillfully piloting the F52 Ardverk with finesse.
- Kadena Air Force Base, Japan
In the Land of the Rising Sun, Andrew managed the dynamic F35 program, relishing the thrill of flying Vietnamese helicopters.
- Back to Colorado Springs
Returning to Colorado Springs, Max dutifully ensured aircraft maintenance was upheld, leaving an indelible mark on the success of rockets Atlas 4 and Delta 2 at Vandenberg GS13.
Comrades and Camaraderie
During his time serving in the military, Max Sebby built lasting friendships, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie with his fellow servicemen. Among them was a skilled painter whose artwork featured enchanting starlets that seemed to glow with their own magic.
Another close friend overcame probation at the Air Force Academy and became Max’s best man, showing the strength of their bonds. These cherished relationships served as pillars of support and brought a sense of belonging during Max’s extraordinary military journey.
A New Chapter Unfolds for Max Sebby
After a head injury at Dahlgren Air Force Base ended his military service, Max Sebby found himself returning home. He faced the aftermath of a concussion and a torn meniscus, which caused persistent headaches. Due to this, he stayed with his mom for six months, finding solace in watching movies during his recovery.
Eager to further his education, Andrew pursued an MBA at the University of La Verne. In just two years, he successfully earned his degree, propelling him to the Pentagon, where he worked on the contentious F35 program.
His military experiences had a lasting impact on him, inspiring a love for swimming and daring leaps from towers while stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Max Sebby: Embracing Friendship and Healing
Despite his challenges and losses, Max maintained meaningful friendships with remarkable individuals. He stayed connected with Rosyln Schule, a highly intelligent friend, but tragically lost her life in Afghanistan, profoundly impacting Max.
Max became part of Veterans For Peace on Veteran’s Day. It is an organization that resonated with his desire for peace and camaraderie among fellow Veterans. This involvement brought memorable experiences, like horseback riding with Lonesome Dove, creating cherished memories.
Max Sebby’s Lasting Military Wisdom
Through his military service, Max learned invaluable life lessons. He emphasized the significance of peace and the need to avoid war while also appreciating the value of discipline and the intricacies of military culture.
Despite the challenging experiences, his love for his daughter Alice and his determination to never give up shine through. Max leaves a powerful message to future generations: perseverance is key, and love triumphs overall.
Above all else, he wants people to remember that he has no regrets about joining the military and takes immense pride in his service. As a Veteran, Andrew believes his fellow servicemen are good people who face significant dangers to protect their country.
