GERSTELL ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE

Gerstell Academy celebrates Veteran of the Year

Mr. Ian Selby, Gerstell Academy parent and local Maryland State Police Aviation Command flight instructor was named Gerstell Academy Veteran of the Year during the annual Veteran’s Day ceremony. On Monday, November 11th, the Gerstell Academy community gathered to honor and celebrate veterans for their commitment, courage, and sacrifice for our country. 

Born on the west coast in Tacoma, Washington, Ian attended The United States Naval Academy from 1992 -1996 where he was an All- American water polo goalie and earned a degree in aerospace engineering.  Upon graduation, Ian attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida where he graduated in 1999. He joined the Marine Corp where he served on three deployments including Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom where he Flew AH-1W Cobras for United States Marine Corp. 
 
After 9 years of service, Ian was granted an honorary discharge and retired from active-duty service. He took a hiatus from flying and pursued a passion project: learning to become a violin maker/luthier in Boiling Springs, PA. As a lifelong violinist, Ian played for the Tacoma Youth Symphony Orchestra, and ultimately became a master violin maker. 
 
Ian’s love for his country soon found him back in the cockpit where he started as one of the first SIC (second in command) pilots for MDSPAC (MD State Police Aviation Command) with the implementation of their dual-piloted AW-139 aircraft platform in 2014.  
 
He currently serves as a flight instructor and is the command maintenance test pilot for the Maryland State Police. His wife Amy and daughter Thea “could not be more proud of him and his continued service to both the nation and our local community.” 
 
The Gerstell community extends its congratulations to Ian Selby for this deserving award. 
 

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2500 Old Westminster Pike
Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
410-861-3000
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