2012 Hall of Fame Honoree
Mr. Randy Vierling, ‘63
A former president of the Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni Association,Randy Vierling said the institution provided him with preparation for a successful aviation career and created a network of friendships that continue to this day.
OMA roots run deep with Vierling, who graduated from OMA high school in 1961 and junior college in 1963.
During his time on the Hill, he was a member of the Saber Society, Chevron Society, Judges Bench, Honor Committee, Honor Court, MC Cadet Capers, and the Drill Team. He also was an Assistant Commander, speaker for Ambassadors of Americanism, delegate for the Oklahoma Youth Conference in 1961, Company Commander “C” Company, and Battle Group Adjutant (S-1).
In addition, he lettered in track in 1959, received an Outstanding Cadet Identification Disc Merit Ribbon, an Athletic Ribbon, and was the Secretary/Treasurer of his junior college sophomore class.
Following graduation, Vierling made his entry into the aviation industry. In 1966, he began his professional flying career as a flight instructor/ground school instructor at TRAEX Aviation in Oklahoma City. He was hired by TWA in 1969 and later served as chief pilot for various companies, including Furrs Inc. in Lubbock, Texas. While in Lubbock, he established a Cessna dealership and Aircraft Service Co., which earned the National Business Aircraft Association commendation for excellence in service during the company’s second year of operation.
He later returned to TWA where he served as captain instructor/check airman, helping mentor pilot students to become successful at the company. He retired in 2002 from American Airlines, which had purchased the company the previous year.
Following his retirement, he remained an active pilot serving a number of companies and individuals, including Dorchester Capital and the owner of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. He has served as an accident prevention counselor for the Federal Aviation Administration. Vierling has logged more than 27,000 accident-free hours during his more than four decades of flying.
In addition to his aviation career, he also has been active in his church, teaching Sunday School for college-age students and adults during the years. He has two adult children, his daughter, Tracy and his son Andrew, and one granddaughter. Vierling says he is humbled by the Hall of Fame nomination.
“When I compare what the men named on our KIA Memorial have given, I have given nothing,” he says. “But I am glad to have been a part of building the memorial and advancing the mission of the OMA Alumni Association. The friendships I have made during this time are far more priceless to me than any honor I could receive.”