Every promotion ceremony is meaningful in its own way. But this one was full of depth, intention, and the kind of legacy you feel as much as you see. As a Wright-Patterson promotion photographer, I had the honor of documenting Christian Banasky’s promotion from Major to Lieutenant Colonel at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. This space already carries so much history, but it took on even more meaning that day.

Honoring his Grandfather’s Legacy

The ceremony took place in front of the legendary P-51 Mustang, one of the most iconic aircraft of World War II. But this wasn’t just a cool backdrop. It was chosen with intention as a tribute to Christian’s grandfather who once served as a crew chief for this very aircraft.

If you’ve never heard what it means to be a crew chief, the ceremony’s script said it best: “In the air, the plane belongs to the pilot. But on the ground, it belongs to the crew chief.”

Chief Banasky’s story was one of courage and quiet heroism. In February 1953, while stationed in Korea, he ran toward a burning Navy jet and pulled its pilot, baseball legend Ted Williams, to safety. That kind of bravery doesn’t fade with time. It lives on through the generations that follow. So as the next chapter of this family’s service continues, it felt right to honor the chapter that came before.

A Moment for the Whole Family

Christian’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and in-laws each played a part in the changing of rank taking turns to remove his Major insignia and replace it with the silver oak leaves of a Lieutenant Colonel. Watching each of them take part in that moment made it clear: this promotion wasn’t something Christian earned alone. It was shared and meaningful to many.

To the Banasky family, congratulations and thank you for allowing me to document this incredible milestone!

If you’re planning a promotion ceremony in the Dayton area and are looking for a Wright-Patterson promotion photographer, I’d be honored to help tell your story too. Please reach out to start the conversation!

If you enjoyed this post, you may also love:

• National Museum of the US Air Force | Lt Col Arting’s Retirement
• Honoring a Military Family’s Final Gift
• Wright-Patterson AFB Retirement | Col Julian