A pilot since 1965, Gere served as a USAF fighter jet instructor pilot during the Vietnam conflict (1968-73) and has maintained his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) status ever since.  After Air Force service, he flew just for recreation and a hobby as he developed a career as a real estate appraiser and development consultant.  That work took him to Russia at the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1994, where he worked in the newly developing real estate market to form appraisal and real estate consulting businesses in Moscow and St. Petersburg and capital cities of surrounding newly independent states of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Georgia.  

Retiring after 15 years in Russia, Gere and Larisa enjoyed flying their Cirrus SR22 all over the United States, and especially between their family place here (16 acres between Gassville and Mountain Home) and their South Carolina mountain home.  Based there at KGMU (Greenville SC) for 12 years Gere served as the AOPA ASN volunteer for that airport, the busiest general aviation area in the state.  Now based here at the Baxter County airport (KBPK) Gere adds to his more than 6,000 hours of flight experience by introducing area residents to the joys and benefits of aviation.  

His service as the ASN volunteer for KBPK involves: 

- assisting the Airport Commission and the County to maximize the airport's operational value to the community,

- make the community aware of the value of aviation and the career opportunities available for anyone interested.  

- sponsoring the incorporation of the 4-year aviation STEM curriculum in the high school, 

- mentoring the local aviation club at the High School (appropriately, the Mountain Home "Bombers"), 

- supplying local media with positive information on airport activities and improvements,

Gerald is also a director of the very prominent Leading Edge Aviation Foundation, a critical force for aviation here in Baxter County.  The Foundation's mission: "Leading Edge educates, encourages, and provides financial assistance to people interested in aviation who might otherwise be excluded." provides fundamental access to aviation training - ground and air - and promotes aviation with periodic events at the airport providing opportunities for the public to access aviation up close and personally.  

You can contact Gerald through the Baxter County Airport Management Office:  (870) 481-5418