Air Transport International First Officer and Former Air Force Instructor Pilot Shares His Story to Inspire Others to "Keep Moving Forward"

PHILADEPHILA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / October 28, 2025 / Air Transport International First Officer and decorated former U.S. Air Force instructor pilot Andrew Veerathanongdech is using his platform to advocate for something he believes every person can control - their mindset. Through his recent feature article, "Andrew Veerathanongdech: From Air Force Pilot to Aviation Leader," he's raising awareness about the power of positive habits, discipline, and personal accountability in overcoming setbacks and achieving long-term success.

"I define success by your habit patterns," says Veerathanongdech. "If you have good habit patterns, you will inherently be successful. Be a good person. Be good at your job. If you do both, opportunities will come your way."

Turning Adversity Into Action

Veerathanongdech's story resonates with people across industries - from aviation to business - because of its core message: resilience is built, not given. Having faced career transitions, personal challenges, and demanding responsibilities as both a pilot and father, he encourages others to focus on what they can control - their standards, mindset, and effort.

"I was at the top once and then lost almost everything," he shares. "Since then, I've rebuilt by concentrating on the positive and learning from the negative. Always keep walking forward and keep your head up."

Research supports his philosophy. According to the American Psychological Association, people who cultivate optimism and proactive coping strategies are 31% more productive, 37% better at sales, and three times more creative in problem-solving than those who dwell on negativity. Similarly, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that consistent positive routines - such as exercise, sleep, and mindfulness - can reduce stress-related illness by up to 45%.

Promoting Accountability in Leadership and Life

As a former Air Force instructor and evaluator pilot, Veerathanongdech has trained professionals responsible for missions across the globe. He believes that high performance - in aviation or any field - comes from humility and accountability.

"There's no ego in the cockpit," he says. "You have to hold yourself to high standards and respect the people around you. That's how teams succeed."

He's encouraging others to bring the same mindset into their homes, workplaces, and communities. "If you're not good at home, you won't be good at work," he adds. "Take care of yourself and your family first - that's your foundation."

A Call to Build Better Habits

Through his advocacy, Veerathanongdech hopes people begin to see success not as a moment, but as a practice. It's about building daily habits that align with integrity and persistence.

Whether someone is an entrepreneur, student, or parent, he says the formula is the same: start small, stay consistent, and focus on what's within your control. "Have someone else say no - don't tell yourself no," he says. "Even if they do, there still might be a way to get what you want."

What People Can Do

Veerathanongdech invites others to take practical steps to strengthen their mindset and accountability in everyday life:

• Start each day with one positive action - a workout, a gratitude note, or a task that moves you closer to a goal.

• Eliminate self-doubt by focusing on process over perfection.

• Surround yourself with positive people who challenge and uplift you.

• Reflect weekly on what went well and what can improve - then adjust.

He reminds people that leadership starts with the self. "Success isn't about titles," he says. "It's about being dependable, staying humble, and helping others along the way."

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Andrew Veerathanongdech

Andrew Veerathanongdech is a First Officer at Air Transport International and a former U.S. Air Force instructor pilot. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Columbia Southern University, he has earned multiple Instructor of the Quarter awards and served as Chief of Evaluations for his squadron. Based in Philadelphia, he is also a devoted husband and father who enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and mentoring others.

Learn more about his journey and insights on leadership and resilience at linkedin.com/in/andrew-veerathanongdech.

Press Contact:

info@andrewveerathanongdech.com

SOURCE: Andrew Veerathanongdech