In May 1970, he was the sole survivor of 14 passengers in a military plane crash. The crew was enroute to Spokane, Washington to conduct an operational analysis. Ascending through 3000', the aircraft experienced rapid de-compression and massive structural failure, crashing in the hills near Sonoma, California. He suffered severe burns and multiple internal injuries and spent 90 days in Intensive Care and 18 months in the hospital. While in Intensive Care, he had two Near Death Experiences (NDEs). He walked across the bridge, saw the door and the light. He knows we have guardian angels. He was medically retired from the Air Force in 1971.

His awards include: The Bronze Star; Air Force Commendation Medal; Presidential Award for Outstanding Employee with a Disability; Department of Defense Outstanding Employee with a Disability; Department of the Navy Outstanding Employee with a Disability; Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award; and the Adrian College, (Michigan) Alumni Achievement Award.

In 1998, George was inducted into the Adrian College Athletic Hall of Fame.

He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Adrian College in 1963 and a Master of Arts degree from Webster University in 1975.

George has over 25 years teaching experience at the university and community college level and is a contributing writer for several magazines and newsletters in the United States and Australia.

He has appeared as a guest on a number of radio stations: KTAR Radio, Phoenix, Arizona; KFNN Radio, Phoenix, Arizona; Ken Hamblin Show, Denver, Colorado; Mitch Albom, WJR Radio Detroit; Mike Murphy, KCMO Radio Kansas City, Missouri; Book Crazy Radio, Phoenix, Arizona. And stations in Buffalo, NY; Louisville, KY; St. Louis, MO; Burlington, VT; Reno, NV; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Montreal, Canada; Vancouver, B.C.; Tucson, AZ and others. George has appeared on KTVK, Channel 3 and KNXV Channel 15 in Phoenix, Arizona.

In February, 2001, George's story was profiled on the Discovery Health Channel; “Lifeforce: Overcoming Obstacles.” Video is available.

Affiliations: Disabled American Veterans; Viet Nam Veterans of America; Veterans of Foreign Wars; The Retired Officer's Association; The National Rifle Association.

George is the author of, “The Bridge Never Crossed - A Survivor's Search for Meaning.”

His second book, “Value Centered Leadership - A Survivors Strategy for Personal and Professional Growth”.

Proceeds from both books benefit the New York Firefighter's Burn Center Foundation.