Mario serves as The GARRETT GROUP’s Vice President for Joint Ventures. His primary responsibilities are to develop, lead, and manage the company’s Joint Venture internal and external operations. Mario served over 25 years in the USAF. He was a career pilot, flying the KC-135, T-37, T-38, and U-2 aircraft. He accumulated over 4,000 flying hours and commanded the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, the Air Force’s U-2 flying training unit, in addition to multiple overseas operational flying units. He is a graduate of the Air War College resident program. Since his retirement in 2004, Mario has held multiple positions in the defense contracting sector in the Bellevue / Offutt AFB area.