Alden High School is honored to welcome Ben Canetti, a proud veteran and Delta Airlines pilot, as the keynote speaker for this year’s Veterans Day Assembly on Friday, November 8th. An Alden High School graduate, Ben enlisted in the U.S. Air Force right after graduation, dedicating several years to serving his country. His journey from Alden to the skies embodies dedication, courage, and a commitment to excellence.
In the Air Force, Ben piloted C-130s, which involved transporting supplies, personnel, and sometimes paratroopers into combat zones. He describes this role as challenging and meaningful, recalling numerous missions dropping essential supplies or paratroopers into active conflict areas to support Army and Marine Corps troops. However, there was one part of the job he hadn’t anticipated: serving as an air ambulance. “The first time I had to go into Iraq and land at Al Asad Air Base, Humvees met us with wounded soldiers,” he shared. “Seeing some of these guys, barely 18 years old, and how badly they were injured—those moments were deeply impactful.”
Ben’s path to becoming a pilot was neither simple nor expected. After high school, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do and saw the military as a unique and promising option, especially influenced by his father’s stories as a Vietnam veteran. Initially, he served as a mechanic, then advanced to flight engineer, and eventually pursued his dream of flying. “I wanted to do more than fix airplanes—I wanted to fly them,” he explained. Determined, he set his sights on pilot training, which involved rigorous preparation and nearly two years of intense training. “It was tough,” he admitted, noting that out of 28 people in his pilot training class, only 15 graduated.
Today, Ben credits his success to the discipline and focus he developed during those years. As he tells Alden High students, “Discipline and priorities make all the difference. I wasn’t the best student in high school, but I learned that setting clear goals and sticking to them is essential.”
Ben Canetti’s story of growth, sacrifice, and triumph will undoubtedly inspire Alden students and veterans alike. We are thrilled to welcome him back to share his experiences and honor all who have served.
