ARTICLE
Colonel (Ret.) Mark W. Tillman served as the nation’s 12th Presidential Pilot during both terms George W. Bush was in office, from 2001—2009. His most renowned missions include commanding Air Force One during the September 11, 2001, attacks and covertly flying President Bush to Iraq on Thanksgiving Day in 2003 so the President could personally thank U.S. troops serving in a war zone. Tillman is a sought-after speaker who shares these high-pressure and significant moments in history across the United States. His presentation highlights his use of the “Zero Fail” philosophy — the mindset that failure is not an option when the stakes are highest. Soon, Polk County will be the next stop on Tillman’s tour, as he is the featured speaker for Polk Education Foundation’s JROTC scholarship benefit luncheon on March 11, 2026, held in Lakeland. The sold-out benefit, Moments in History as Viewed from the Cockpit Window of Air Force One, will bring national-level leadership to raise funds for local cadets to expand their postsecondary pathways. Polk County Public Schools has more than a dozen JROTC programs and over 3,000 cadets across the district. Colonel Tillman’s message aligns with the values taught to these students: courage, discipline, and service. Through the upcoming luncheon and the Foundation’s community partners, more cadets will be able to pursue college, careers, and military opportunities, opening doors for students who aspire to lead — in uniform or in their communities. ABOUT POLK EDUCATION FOUNDATION Through philanthropic support, the Polk Education Foundation is able to fund classroom grants, operate a Free Teacher Market, provide a reading tutoring program for K-3 students through AmeriCorps Polk Reads, offer an at-risk high school student mentoring program through Take Stock in Children, and award over $1 million in scholarships to graduating seniors. The Foundation also supports programs that increase student success and recognize and retain teachers and employees and enhance educational experiences. Contact Lauren Morrish Polk Education Foundation 863-534-0519, Ext: 203 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colonel (Ret.) Mark W. Tillman served as the nation’s 12th Presidential Pilot during both terms George W. Bush was in office, from 2001—2009. His most renowned missions include commanding Air Force One during the September 11, 2001, attacks and covertly flying President Bush to Iraq on Thanksgiving Day in 2003 so the President could personally thank U.S. troops serving in a war zone. Tillman is a sought-after speaker who shares these high-pressure and significant moments in history across the United States. His presentation highlights his use of the “Zero Fail” philosophy — the mindset that failure is not an option when the stakes are highest.
Soon, Polk County will be the next stop on Tillman’s tour, as he is the featured speaker for Polk Education Foundation’s JROTC scholarship benefit luncheon on March 11, 2026, held in Lakeland. The sold-out benefit, Moments in History as Viewed from the Cockpit Window of Air Force One, will bring national-level leadership to raise funds for local cadets to expand their postsecondary pathways. Polk County Public Schools has more than a dozen JROTC programs and over 3,000 cadets across the district. Colonel Tillman’s message aligns with the values taught to these students: courage, discipline, and service.
Through the upcoming luncheon and the Foundation’s community partners, more cadets will be able to pursue college, careers, and military opportunities, opening doors for students who aspire to lead — in uniform or in their communities.
ABOUT POLK EDUCATION FOUNDATION Through philanthropic support, the Polk Education Foundation is able to fund classroom grants, operate a Free Teacher Market, provide a reading tutoring program for K-3 students through AmeriCorps Polk Reads, offer an at-risk high school student mentoring program through Take Stock in Children, and award over $1 million in scholarships to graduating seniors. The Foundation also supports programs that increase student success and recognize and retain teachers and employees and enhance educational experiences.
Contact Lauren Morrish Polk Education Foundation 863-534-0519, Ext: 203 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE