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CareerSource Polk President and CEO Stacy Campbell-Domineck is set to fly with the Blue Angels Wednesday during the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo as a Key Influencer.
The 51st Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo runs from April 1-6.
Campbell-Domineck, 55, of Lakeland, will fly with Blue Angel #7 MAJ. Scott Laux on the F/A-18 Super Hornet, according to a news release.
“I’m elated. I’m shocked I got tapped to do it. I didn’t even know a civilian could fly with the Blue Angels,” said Campbell-Domineck.
When: Campbell-Domineck is scheduled to walk down with the Blue Angels at 11 a.m. and take off at 11:30 a.m, Wednesday, April 2 . The flight is scheduled to last 45 minutes.
A Mississippi native, she revealed the news to her extended family a week ago and said her phone has been ringing off the hook.
“They’re very excited and proud. You would’ve thought I won the lottery,” Campbell-Domineck said, adding her son Brindan, who is an aerospace engineer, drove down from Maryland to see her fly, and was sad he didn’t get to be in the plane with her.
Ready to fly high: Campbell-Domineck said she’s always been adventurous, and randomly decided to tandem skydive when her sons were toddlers. She said this will take her thrill-seeking to another level.
“I’m honored. I was in tears the night I learned. I’m flattered, honored, and shocked my name came up,” Campbell-Domineck said.
A tribute flight: Campbell-Domineck is participating in the flight in honor of her brother-in-law, Charles Wesley King, Jr., an aviation enthusiast. She recalled him traveling the South to different air shows to see the Blue Angels perform.
“If he were living, he would be right there as my brother-in-love. We grew up watching him make planes and make what we call drones now. His passion for it … inspired everybody,” Campbell-Domineck recalled.
The selection process: In order to be selected for the flight, Campbell-Domineck had to receive medical clearance. She’s also been resting to prepare for the strenuous activity and even watched the documentary “ The Blue Angels.”
“I don’t want to pass out. I want to see what’s going on,” Campbell-Domineck said, explaining she’s aware of the G-Forces she may experience and has been practicing different breathing techniques.
According to a news release, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels selected Campbell-Domineck as a key influencer due to her exemplary community service, dedication to youth development, and the significant and lasting impacts “on the prosperity of the community.”
Campbell-Domineck has served as the president and CEO of CareerSource Polk since 2006 and has been with the organization since 2002. Through her leadership at CareerSource Polk, her team has placed nearly 6,000 young people into summer work experiences through its Summer Youth Internship Program, according to the release.
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I love this. Thank you so very much!
Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing this enlighten article highlighting Domineck’s exciting Blue Angel experience. Amazing!