As America celebrates its 250th anniversary this July, it is fitting that we pause to recognize those who have served our nation and helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. One such neighbor is Rolling Hills resident, veteran, business owner, musician, and City Councilmember Pat Wilson. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1972 to 1974 as a percussionist in the Air Force Band of the Golden West.
Pat’s military journey began shortly after graduating from high school in Corona, California. Unsure of his future direction and not quite ready for college, he saw military service as an opportunity to strike out from home and discover his path.
“I graduated from high school and wasn’t ready for college,” Pat recalls. “The service seemed to be a good fit for me to give me time to figure out my future plans.”
After basic training, Pat found himself stationed at March Air Force Base. “I thought I was going to travel the world, at least the country, not be stationed seven miles from where I grew up!” he laughs. “In the end, I actually did get to travel all over the country. It was a really good experience.”
Like many veterans, Pat credits his military service with helping shape the person he would become.
“Any member of the military will tell you how much they matured while they were in the service,” he explains. “It taught me resilience, respect, camaraderie, and self-reliance. It set the foundation of my character for the rest of my life.”
Though his time enlisted was relatively brief, the impact has been lifelong. Through the GI Bill, Pat was able to attend college, and a VA loan helped him purchase his first home at just 24 years old. The camaraderie, too, has endured. More than five decades later, he remains close with a childhood friend who enlisted in the Air Force Band just weeks after Pat did.
“We’ve known each other for 57 years,” Pat says. “I recently had the chance to play in an orchestra with him in Mammoth. We’re still pursuing our musical careers, together, all these years later.”
Pat credits his time in the Air Force with cementing important life lessons that he has carried into all aspects of his life.
“When offered an opportunity, take advantage of it to the fullest extent possible,” he says. “Everyone gets opportunities handed to them. Successful people are the ones who make the most of the opportunities handed to them.”
That mindset has served him well. After his time in the Air Force, Pat went on to found Fast Lane Transportation, Inc., a company he has successfully operated for 47 years.
He has also devoted considerable time to public service, having served as Mayor of Rolling Hills and currently serving as a City Councilmember. Pat is also a member of several nonprofit boards and was recently reelected as Board Chair of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. He is active in Rotary and strongly believes in its guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
When asked about the connection between military service and community leadership, Pat sees a clear connection.
“Very close parallels,” he says. “A desire to serve others.”
That desire has also led to a passion for mentoring younger generations, encouraging them to consider all opportunities and pursue the ones that fit them best. While he encourages college for those who are called to it, he also believes military service can be an excellent option for young people who are still discovering their path.
“It’s not for everyone,” he says, “but everyone who enlists gets something out of it, not the least of which is pride and honor for having served. It will last a lifetime.”
Today, Pat’s life is anything but quiet.
“I’m not retired,” he laughs. “I’m more active today than I’ve been in a very long time.”
In addition to running his company and serving the community, Pat has revived another lifelong passion: music. After taking nearly forty years away from performing, he has returned to the stage and now plays drums and percussion with a variety of musical groups ranging from jazz and classic rock ensembles to concert bands and orchestras. Residents may have seen him performing at the Slip Bar & Eatery in Lomita, Rolling Hills Country Club, Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach, or at the recent 90th Anniversary Celebration for Rolling Hills.
As Pat has taken on new business challenges, public service roles, and musical opportunities, his family has always been his biggest fans, and Pat has always been theirs.
“We always know he is there to support us, and we are always there to cheer him on,” his daughter says.
Pat and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and three young grandchildren who bring them tremendous joy.
He is also quick to express gratitude for the community he calls home.
“We are very privileged to live in this City,” Pat says. “It is like no other community in Southern California, and I am glad to be one of the people working hard to keep Rolling Hills the beautiful place it is. I’m grateful to all the residents of Rolling Hills who are so kind, compassionate, supportive, and patriotic.”
As our nation celebrates its Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Pat reflects on what patriotism means to him today.
“Support for our country and actively participating in the democratic process,” he says.
This Independence Day, we thank Pat Wilson for his service to our nation, his leadership in our community, and his ongoing commitment to making a difference. His story is a reminder that true patriotism is found not only in serving one’s country, but also in serving one’s neighbors and community.
