2017 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Lt Col Andrew Lourake was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and raised in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. He graduated from Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport, Florida in 1979.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida.  He was commissioned through the University’s AFROTC program, earning his commission in 1987.  Lt Col Lourake earned a Masters of Business Administration from Touro University in 2002.

Lt Col Lourake earned his pilot wings in 1988 after graduating from Undergraduate Pilot Training at Reese AFB, Texas.  Following C-5 Training School at Altus AFB, OK he was assigned to the 3rd Airlift Squadron, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover AFB, Delaware.  During his 6 years assigned to Dover AFB, Lt Col Lourake set many milestones – becoming an Aircraft Commander while still a Lieutenant, and being the youngest Captain ever to be the Chief of Standardization and Evaluation.  Lt Col Lourake served in theater for operations Just Cause, Desert Shield/Storm, Provide Comfort, and Restore Hope.

In 1994 Lt Col Lourake was selected as a Special Air Missions pilot, assigned to the 99th Airlift Squadron, 89th Air Wing, Andrews AFB, Maryland.  During his assignment at Andrews, Lt Col Lourake has held the position of Director Commander’s Support Staff, Operations Group Director of Personnel, Chief of Training, Chief of Squadron Operations Center, Computer Workgroup Manager, and Scheduler, Chief, Commander’s Action Group, and Director of Staff.

Lt Col Lourake is a Senior Pilot with over 4,000 flying hours logged in the T-37, T-38, C-5A, C-5B, VC-9C and C-20.  His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, five Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, AF Longevity Service, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Pistol), AF Training Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation Medal Government of Kuwait.  He is married to the former Lisa Ann Malek of St. Petersburg Florida.

Lt Col Lourake retired from active duty where he last served as the Director of Plans and Programs under the Air Force District of Washington, and Special Air Missions pilot at Andrews Air Force Base. Andrew is currently the Veteran Outreach Director of the Tampa area for Operation Second Chance, a veteran centric organization who’s mission statement is: “We are patriotic citizens committed to serving our wounded, injured and ill combat veterans. We support Veterans and their families by building relationships and identifying and supporting immediate needs and interests. We are dedicated to promoting public awareness of the many sacrifices made by our Armed Forces.”

DRONE SAFETY

He grew up in South Florida and graduated with his Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne. Mike is experienced in civil engineering design and construction management of airside and landside facilities and has managed a variety of large scale construction projects including airfield, terminal and security checkpoint expansions. Prior to moving to the Tampa Bay area he worked as a consultant and business owner while living in Costa Rica.

Mike currently works full time for Tampa based American Infrastructure Development and serves as the RPR and Owner Representative for the completed Apron Hardstand Project and Terminal Improvements Phase-3 Project currently under construction at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.