Lt Colonel Phil Byrd is in his 12th year of teaching Air Force JROTC. He served 22 years active duty retiring in 2012.  As a 1984 graduate of Biloxi High School, he came out of retirement to lead as Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at his Alma Mater.  He earned his Air Force commission and Bachelor’s Degree in 1989 through AFROTC Det 432 at The University of Southern Mississippi.  Lt Colonel Byrd is a master instructor with the Air Force having served as Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi AFROTC detachment 432 and Professor of Aerospace Studies at The University of Georgia AFROTC Det 160. He led Det 160 to be the #1 program in the nation in 2012.  Colonel Byrd is is married with 4 kids and 8 grandkids!  He is honored to return to teach, mentor and lead your cadet at the #1 Air Force JROTC program on the gulf coast!