Col. (Ret) Carlos E. Berdecia '01

Colonel (Ret) Carlos E. Berdecia is a distinguished United States Air Force (USAF) veteran, having served honorably for 23 years as a C-17 pilot. Most recently serving as the Operations Group Commander at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. His commitment to excellence and leadership in aviation has left a lasting impact on the Air Force and the communities he served. Col. Berdecia is a proud graduate of UNC Pembroke, where he earned his degree in Management and Marketing, graduating in 2001.

Throughout his military career, Col. Berdecia led strategic airlift missions supporting combat, humanitarian, and disaster relief operations worldwide. He is known for his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to bridging military and civilian communities. As a commercial pilot for United Airlines, he remains actively involved in veteran advocacy and nonprofit work. He lives in John's Island, S.C., with his wife, Eva.

Throughout his military career, he demonstrated exemplary skills in strategic airlift operations, flight safety, and mission planning, culminating in a reputation as a highly skilled aviator and an adaptive leader.

During his tenure in the USAF, Col. Berdecia was deployed on numerous worldwide missions, providing critical airlift support during combat operations, humanitarian efforts and disaster relief. He held various leadership positions, mentoring the next generation of airmen and fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism.

His commitment to service extended beyond his time as an Air Force officer. Col. Berdecia was actively involved in community outreach initiatives, helping to bridge the gap between the military and civilian communities and advocating for veterans' issues. After retiring, he continues to inspire others through his involvement with numerous veteran non-profit organizations. Today, Berdecia is a pilot for United Airlines and resides in Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife, Eva.