Meet the Pilots of the Washington Parish Balloon Festival
Shawn Krause- Zachary, LA
I have been married to my Patricia for 36 years. I have a daughter and a son and 4 grandkids. I am a pipe fitter by trade but I have been in construction management for the last 15 years. I have been flying balloons for 30 years. I hold a commercial pilot license. My family and I operate Really Hot Air Balloon Rides and Promotions in Zachary, LA. I am also a hot air balloon instructor pilot.
Chad Hebert- Zachary, LA
I am married and have 3 kids. (1 daughter & 2 sons) All of them currently aspire to be balloon pilots as well. I work full time as a police officer in the city of Zachary. I enjoy doing anything outdoors, but ballooning seems to occupy most of my time. What time that's not occupied by ballooning I spend training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I was introduced to hot air balloons by my wife who has been around balloons since she was a kid. My father-in-law was my primary flight instructor and taught me most of what I know about balloons. However, I owe it to many pilots who helped me along the way. I am not part of a small hot air balloon company that was started by my wife. My favorite thing about ballooning is seeing the look on people's faces as they lift off the ground for the first time. I also love the family aspect of the sport, both with my family and our extended balloon family. This sport has formed lifelong bonds.
Karen Kent- Port Allen, LA
I first got involved with hot air balloons in 1994. It didn't take me long to figure out that I wanted to be a pilot. I am currently a commercial pilot with 3 balloons and fly most weekends. Flying hot air balloons has helped fulfill a childhood dream of soaring through the sky as birds do.
Mike Hanson- Greenwood, MS
I have a son, Drew Hanson. He is a U.S. Marshall. I have one grandson, Kohl Michael Hanson. I worked as an IT director for Wade Incorporated. My favorite experience in hot air ballooning was flying in Thailand. My most interesting passenger was Bill Clinton.
Perry Hasson- Meridian, MS
I have two beautiful daughters, Gina (31) and Taylor (25). I am a maintenance person at Rose and Son Properties. I love making people laugh and living life to the fullest. I've been ballooning 35+ years and as a pilot for 29 years. I am a 2x winner of the Alabama Jubilee in Decatur, Alabama and once at Faunsdale Balloon Race in Faunsdale, Alabama. What I like best about ballooning is the people I meet and the friends I have made over the years.
Erik Kiehle- Meridian, MS
I started ballooning in 2018.
Howard (Rusty) Miller - Atmore, AL
My wife of 31 years, Traci, and I live in Atmore, Alabama. I am the co owner of a commercial construction company-,Trip Tek Construction, and Traci owns a boutique, Talula Belle's. We don't have kids, but our 4 dogs keep us on our toes. Traci and I are both workaholics so ballooning is my way to relax. I got into ballooning just 2 short years ago and fell in love with the sport. I have flown in 6 states and own 3 balloons. I love the reaction of people when you tell them you fly hot air balloons. I also love to see the look on kids' faces when we go out to glow or to fly.
Frank J Anger- Belden, MS
I am retired with two daughters and five grandkids. I have been flying hot air balloons since 1995.
Larry Torgerson- Meridian, MS
I've been in radio and TV all my life. Pvt-commercial pilot rating for balloons in 1979. Sold balloons for two difference manufacturers for years. I taught people to fly. In 1983, I became a FAA designated pilot examiner and gave check flights for pvt and commercial for every 10 years. I hold a BFA Master Pilot award and hold airplane single engine-multi engine and instrument certificates. I own a deer camp in Alabama. I love the ballooning community- they are a great group of people. Started the Canton, MS Balloon Race in 1986 and helped start the Natchez, MS Balloon Race in 1986. I ran the Faunsdale, Alabama Balloon Race in the 90s and helped start the Bogalusa Louisiana Balloon Race last year.
Geoffrey Jones- Zachary, LA
I am 28 years old, and I am originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Polymer Science and a minor in Chemistry. I was born into ballooning! Both my parents are pilots and were my main instructors during my student time. I have also logged student time with many other pilots including Mr Shawn, Chad Hebert, Karen Kent, and Mike Harrison. I have been a pilot for almost a year now, but I have been crewing and learning from my parents and may other pilots since I was little.
Fred Poole
I have been flying longer than I care to tell. I am a former tour bus driver and member of the band Aceladama. I recently had the pleasure of our 30 year old album being released in Portugal! Do you believe in ghosts?? I do!! My balloon is the upside down pineapple. Also, I love exotic boots!