Purdue Report: A Boilermaker, an Air Force veteran, a dedicated farmer, a Delta Air Lines first officer, and a father of five, Etter embodies hard work, perseverance, and loyalty. As Delta Air Lines celebrates its 100th anniversary in
Greg Etter wears many hats — and wears them all with pride. A Boilermaker, an Air Force veteran, a dedicated farmer, a Delta Air Lines first officer, and a father of five, Etter embodies hard work, perseverance, and loyalty. As Delta Air Lines celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, Etter reflects not only on his years with the airline but also on the journey that began at Purdue University and continues to shape every part of his life.
Etter’s story starts in Indiana, where his love for aviation took root. That passion led him to Purdue University, home of one of the nation’s top aviation programs. “Purdue gave me the foundation I needed,” Etter says. “It’s where I learned the discipline, the science, and the leadership that have guided me throughout my life.” He graduated from Purdue with a degree in aviation technology, a stepping stone that would eventually lead him to serve in the U.S. Air Force.
As a military aviator, Etter flew missions around the world, developing the precision, resilience, and responsibility that would become second nature. After his service, he transitioned into commercial aviation, joining Delta Air Lines — a company with a long legacy of excellence that matched his own values.
Today, as a Delta first officer, Etter helps passengers safely reach their destinations, carrying the professionalism instilled in him during his military and Purdue days. But he’s never forgotten his Indiana roots. When he’s not flying, Etter is back on the farm — working the land, raising livestock, and teaching his children the same values that have guided his path.
Raising five children while balancing a career in aviation and managing a farm is no small feat, but Etter credits his Purdue background and military training for helping him juggle it all. “It’s about commitment and community,” he says. “Whether you’re in the cockpit or on the farm, you’re part of something bigger.”
As Delta marks a century of flight, Etter sees his journey as part of that larger story. “Delta’s legacy is built by people from all walks of life — people who care deeply about safety, service, and integrity,” he says. “I’m proud to be a part of that, and proud to carry the Boilermaker spirit wherever I go.”
From the skies to the fields, Greg Etter continues to lead by example — a Boilermaker through and through.
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