After flying Air Force jets for 30 years, Hieronymus retired in 2018 . He has a B.S. in Economics from the US Air Force Academy, and in 2015, he completed an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, which inspired him to publish his debut novel, a sci-fi thriller that explores futuristic technology and nuanced personal relationships. Hawkes has broken the sound barrier, won poker tournaments, and owns several guitars that he can't play. Now he instructs young pilots in the art of flying, writes fiction and poetry, and sings badly in his car.