Second lieutenant Jonathan (Mac) Byard graduated from the US Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) program and was awarded his Pilot Wings at Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas. His wings were awarded after a year of training that included classroom instruction, simulator training and flying both the T-6 and T-38 aircraft. He has been selected to fly F-16s and will be initially assigned to Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Ariz.

Byard is a 2005 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he majored in mechanical engineering. He graduated on the Superintendent’s List, which recognizes cadets for excellence in academics, military subjects and physical education. His squadron also won the Academic Award for having the highest grade point average among 36 squadrons (4,000 cadets).

Byard graduated from Starr’s Mill High School in 2001. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the football team and received the AJC Bryant Award for Best All-Around Senior, as voted by the staff and faculty. He is the son of Bob and Barbara Byard of Fayetteville.