Play Hard.Have Fun.Same Team.
Honoring the legacy of Captain John "Bag" Hefti, USN (Ret.) through scholarships supporting Virginia Beach student-athletes.
Play Hard.Have Fun.Same Team.
Honoring the legacy of Captain John "Bag" Hefti, USN (Ret.) through scholarships supporting Virginia Beach student-athletes who embody his spirit of excellence, camaraderie, and service.
A Life of Service
- The Early Years
Three-Sport Star at Woodbridge High School
Woodbridge, Virginia
Bag graduated from Woodbridge High School in Prince William County, Virginia, as a standout three-sport athlete — quarterback, pitcher/shortstop, and point guard.
Named All-Conference quarterback his senior year, Bag also excelled as a pitcher and shortstop in baseball and point guard in basketball. Beyond athletics, he was a member of the National Honor Society and played trumpet in the school band — an early sign of the well-rounded leadership and team spirit that would define his life. Multiple college football programs recruited him, but he chose a path of service.
athleteleadershipfootballbaseballbasketball1981
Three-Sport Star at Woodbridge High School
Woodbridge, Virginia
Bag graduated from Woodbridge High School in Prince William County, Virginia, as a standout three-sport athlete — quarterback, pitcher/shortstop, and point guard.
Named All-Conference quarterback his senior year, Bag also excelled as a pitcher and shortstop in baseball and point guard in basketball. Beyond athletics, he was a member of the National Honor Society and played trumpet in the school band — an early sign of the well-rounded leadership and team spirit that would define his life. Multiple college football programs recruited him, but he chose a path of service.
athleteleadershipfootballbaseballbasketball- Naval Academy
1985United States Naval Academy Graduate
Annapolis, Maryland
Bag graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with an engineering degree as part of the Class of 1985, having played quarterback on the JV football team.
Recruited by multiple college football programs, Bag chose the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he continued to compete as a quarterback on the Junior Varsity team. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering — a rigorous program that prepared him for the technical demands of naval aviation. The Class of 1985 graduated during a period of significant Navy modernization and growing emphasis on carrier-based air power.
navyleadershipathleteeducationUnited States Naval Academy Graduate
Annapolis, Maryland
Bag graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with an engineering degree as part of the Class of 1985, having played quarterback on the JV football team.
Recruited by multiple college football programs, Bag chose the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he continued to compete as a quarterback on the Junior Varsity team. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering — a rigorous program that prepared him for the technical demands of naval aviation. The Class of 1985 graduated during a period of significant Navy modernization and growing emphasis on carrier-based air power.
navyleadershipathleteeducation- Fighter Pilot
Designated Naval Aviator — Wings of Gold
NAS Pensacola, Florida
In March 1987, Bag earned his Wings of Gold at NAS Pensacola — the Cradle of Naval Aviation — becoming a designated Naval Aviator and F-14 Tomcat pilot.
After completing the demanding naval aviation training pipeline at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida — known as the Cradle of Naval Aviation since 1911 — Bag was pinned with the coveted Wings of Gold in March 1987. He was assigned to VF-101 'Grim Reapers' as a flight instructor, immediately demonstrating the teaching ability and leadership that would characterize his entire career, both in the cockpit and on the ball field.
navyfighter-pilotaviation1987
Designated Naval Aviator — Wings of Gold
NAS Pensacola, Florida
In March 1987, Bag earned his Wings of Gold at NAS Pensacola — the Cradle of Naval Aviation — becoming a designated Naval Aviator and F-14 Tomcat pilot.
After completing the demanding naval aviation training pipeline at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida — known as the Cradle of Naval Aviation since 1911 — Bag was pinned with the coveted Wings of Gold in March 1987. He was assigned to VF-101 'Grim Reapers' as a flight instructor, immediately demonstrating the teaching ability and leadership that would characterize his entire career, both in the cockpit and on the ball field.
navyfighter-pilotaviation
1989TOPGUN Graduate
NAS Miramar, California
Bag was selected for and graduated from the elite U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program — TOPGUN — at NAS Miramar, placing him among the Navy's finest fighter pilots.
Selection for TOPGUN was reserved for the top fleet fighter pilots. During the late 1980s, the program was based at NAS Miramar, California, and ran an intensive five-week course teaching advanced air combat tactics in F-14 Tomcats against adversary instructors flying F-16s and F-5s to simulate Soviet threats. Graduating from TOPGUN meant Bag returned to the fleet as a tactics instructor — responsible for raising the combat readiness of every pilot in his squadron.
navytopgunfighter-pilotleadershipTOPGUN Graduate
NAS Miramar, California
Bag was selected for and graduated from the elite U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program — TOPGUN — at NAS Miramar, placing him among the Navy's finest fighter pilots.
Selection for TOPGUN was reserved for the top fleet fighter pilots. During the late 1980s, the program was based at NAS Miramar, California, and ran an intensive five-week course teaching advanced air combat tactics in F-14 Tomcats against adversary instructors flying F-16s and F-5s to simulate Soviet threats. Graduating from TOPGUN meant Bag returned to the fleet as a tactics instructor — responsible for raising the combat readiness of every pilot in his squadron.
navytopgunfighter-pilotleadershipOperation Desert Storm with VF-41 Black Aces
Persian Gulf, USS Theodore Roosevelt
Bag deployed to the Persian Gulf aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt with VF-41 'Black Aces,' serving as Air Wing Landing Signal Officer during Operation Desert Storm.
VF-41 'Black Aces' deployed on 28 December 1990 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) to support Operation Desert Shield, arriving in the Persian Gulf as hostilities began. The Black Aces led the first strike against Iraqi forces, flying F-14A Tomcats on combat air patrol, escort, and strike missions. The squadron amassed over 1,500 combat flight hours with an unprecedented 100% sortie completion rate. Roosevelt's air wing flew over 4,200 sorties — more than any other carrier in the conflict. Bag served as the Air Wing Landing Signal Officer, responsible for safely guiding aircraft back to the carrier deck.
navyfighter-pilotcombatleadership1991
Operation Desert Storm with VF-41 Black Aces
Persian Gulf, USS Theodore Roosevelt
Bag deployed to the Persian Gulf aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt with VF-41 'Black Aces,' serving as Air Wing Landing Signal Officer during Operation Desert Storm.
VF-41 'Black Aces' deployed on 28 December 1990 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) to support Operation Desert Shield, arriving in the Persian Gulf as hostilities began. The Black Aces led the first strike against Iraqi forces, flying F-14A Tomcats on combat air patrol, escort, and strike missions. The squadron amassed over 1,500 combat flight hours with an unprecedented 100% sortie completion rate. Roosevelt's air wing flew over 4,200 sorties — more than any other carrier in the conflict. Bag served as the Air Wing Landing Signal Officer, responsible for safely guiding aircraft back to the carrier deck.
navyfighter-pilotcombatleadership
1998VF-103 Jolly Rogers — Deliberate Forge & Southern Watch
Mediterranean Sea & Persian Gulf
Bag served as Maintenance Officer with VF-103 'Jolly Rogers,' deploying for NATO operations in the Balkans and no-fly zone enforcement over Iraq.
With VF-103 'Jolly Rogers' — the legendary F-14 Tomcat squadron distinguished by its skull-and-crossbones insignia — Bag served as Maintenance Officer, keeping complex fleet aircraft mission-ready during extended deployments. The squadron participated in Operation Deliberate Forge, supporting NATO peacekeeping in the former Yugoslavia, and Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. These back-to-back deployments reflected the demanding operational tempo of late-1990s naval aviation.
navyfighter-pilotleadershipVF-103 Jolly Rogers — Deliberate Forge & Southern Watch
Mediterranean Sea & Persian Gulf
Bag served as Maintenance Officer with VF-103 'Jolly Rogers,' deploying for NATO operations in the Balkans and no-fly zone enforcement over Iraq.
With VF-103 'Jolly Rogers' — the legendary F-14 Tomcat squadron distinguished by its skull-and-crossbones insignia — Bag served as Maintenance Officer, keeping complex fleet aircraft mission-ready during extended deployments. The squadron participated in Operation Deliberate Forge, supporting NATO peacekeeping in the former Yugoslavia, and Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. These back-to-back deployments reflected the demanding operational tempo of late-1990s naval aviation.
navyfighter-pilotleadership- Command
Commanding Officer, VF-213 Black Lions
USS Theodore Roosevelt
Bag took command of VF-213 'Black Lions,' leading the F-14 Tomcat squadron through post-9/11 combat deployments for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
As Commanding Officer of VF-213 'Black Lions,' Bag led one of the Navy's premier fighter squadrons during the most consequential deployments of the post-9/11 era. The Black Lions deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, flying F-14 Tomcats on combat missions over Afghanistan and Iraq. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, VF-213 flew 198 strike, combat air patrol, and ground support missions, delivering 102 laser-guided bombs and 94 JDAMs. Command of a fleet fighter squadron is one of the most prestigious assignments in naval aviation — the culmination of years of proven excellence.
navyleadershipcommandcombat2003
Commanding Officer, VF-213 Black Lions
USS Theodore Roosevelt
Bag took command of VF-213 'Black Lions,' leading the F-14 Tomcat squadron through post-9/11 combat deployments for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
As Commanding Officer of VF-213 'Black Lions,' Bag led one of the Navy's premier fighter squadrons during the most consequential deployments of the post-9/11 era. The Black Lions deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, flying F-14 Tomcats on combat missions over Afghanistan and Iraq. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, VF-213 flew 198 strike, combat air patrol, and ground support missions, delivering 102 laser-guided bombs and 94 JDAMs. Command of a fleet fighter squadron is one of the most prestigious assignments in naval aviation — the culmination of years of proven excellence.
navyleadershipcommandcombat
2006Commander, Tactical Support Wing
NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas
Bag commanded the Navy Reserve's Tactical Support Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, leading the reserve air wing that provides operational and training support for active forces.
The Tactical Support Wing, headquartered at NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas, is the Navy Reserve's only tactical wing — responsible for operational and training support across multiple reserve squadrons. As Commander, Bag oversaw the readiness of reserve aviators who augment active-duty forces during deployments and exercises. This command reflected the Navy's trust in Bag's ability to lead at the wing level, managing complex operations across geographically dispersed units.
navyleadershipcommandCommander, Tactical Support Wing
NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas
Bag commanded the Navy Reserve's Tactical Support Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, leading the reserve air wing that provides operational and training support for active forces.
The Tactical Support Wing, headquartered at NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas, is the Navy Reserve's only tactical wing — responsible for operational and training support across multiple reserve squadrons. As Commander, Bag oversaw the readiness of reserve aviators who augment active-duty forces during deployments and exercises. This command reflected the Navy's trust in Bag's ability to lead at the wing level, managing complex operations across geographically dispersed units.
navyleadershipcommandNational War College — Master's in National Security Strategy
Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.
Bag earned a master's degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College at National Defense University, preparing for senior strategic leadership roles.
The National War College at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. is the nation's premier institution for educating future senior leaders in national security policy and strategy. Selection for the program is highly competitive, reserved for military officers and senior civilians being groomed for the highest levels of responsibility. Bag's master's degree in National Security Strategy equipped him with the strategic thinking and policy expertise that would prove essential in his final role championing the Navy's revolutionary Live, Virtual, and Constructive training program.
navyeducationleadership2008
National War College — Master's in National Security Strategy
Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.
Bag earned a master's degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College at National Defense University, preparing for senior strategic leadership roles.
The National War College at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. is the nation's premier institution for educating future senior leaders in national security policy and strategy. Selection for the program is highly competitive, reserved for military officers and senior civilians being groomed for the highest levels of responsibility. Bag's master's degree in National Security Strategy equipped him with the strategic thinking and policy expertise that would prove essential in his final role championing the Navy's revolutionary Live, Virtual, and Constructive training program.
navyeducationleadership- Coming Home
2013Retires from Active Duty — Begins Coaching
Virginia Beach, Virginia
After a distinguished 28-year Navy career, Captain Hefti retired from active duty and immediately poured his energy into coaching youth baseball and basketball in Virginia Beach.
Bag retired from active duty in 2013, closing a decorated career that spanned combat deployments, squadron command, and strategic leadership. But retirement never meant slowing down. He brought the same intensity, preparation, and love for teamwork to the baseball diamonds and basketball courts of Virginia Beach. He also worked as a client manager and performance improvement coach in the oil and gas industry — continuing to develop leaders in every setting.
coachingcommunityfamilyyouth-sportsRetires from Active Duty — Begins Coaching
Virginia Beach, Virginia
After a distinguished 28-year Navy career, Captain Hefti retired from active duty and immediately poured his energy into coaching youth baseball and basketball in Virginia Beach.
Bag retired from active duty in 2013, closing a decorated career that spanned combat deployments, squadron command, and strategic leadership. But retirement never meant slowing down. He brought the same intensity, preparation, and love for teamwork to the baseball diamonds and basketball courts of Virginia Beach. He also worked as a client manager and performance improvement coach in the oil and gas industry — continuing to develop leaders in every setting.
coachingcommunityfamilyyouth-sports- Coach Hefti
Coach Hefti — Virginia Beach Youth Sports Legend
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Bag became a beloved figure in Virginia Beach youth sports, coaching baseball and basketball and earning a reputation for developing character, confidence, and leaders — not just athletes.
On the fields and courts of Virginia Beach, 'Coach Hefti' became a legend. He coached youth baseball and basketball, bringing the same discipline, enthusiasm, and selfless leadership he had practiced throughout his Navy career. Parents and players alike recognized that Coach Hefti's real gift was building character. He taught young athletes that being on a team is about making everyone around you better — a philosophy he lived by his whole life. His motto was simple: Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.
coachingcommunityyouth-sportsfamily2013-2021
Coach Hefti — Virginia Beach Youth Sports Legend
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Bag became a beloved figure in Virginia Beach youth sports, coaching baseball and basketball and earning a reputation for developing character, confidence, and leaders — not just athletes.
On the fields and courts of Virginia Beach, 'Coach Hefti' became a legend. He coached youth baseball and basketball, bringing the same discipline, enthusiasm, and selfless leadership he had practiced throughout his Navy career. Parents and players alike recognized that Coach Hefti's real gift was building character. He taught young athletes that being on a team is about making everyone around you better — a philosophy he lived by his whole life. His motto was simple: Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team.
coachingcommunityyouth-sportsfamily
2016Returns to Government Service at Fleet Forces Command
Norfolk, Virginia
Bag returned to government service as Aviation Program Manager at U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, eventually becoming Executive Director of Training and championing the Navy's LVC training revolution.
In 2016, Bag answered the call to serve once more, joining U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia — the command responsible for manning, training, and equipping combat-ready Navy forces for global operations. He started as Aviation Program Manager and rose to Executive Director of Training, where he became the driving force behind the Navy's Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training program — a revolutionary approach that combines real-world exercises with virtual reality and computer-generated scenarios to prepare warfighters for combat.
navyleadershiptrainingReturns to Government Service at Fleet Forces Command
Norfolk, Virginia
Bag returned to government service as Aviation Program Manager at U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, eventually becoming Executive Director of Training and championing the Navy's LVC training revolution.
In 2016, Bag answered the call to serve once more, joining U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia — the command responsible for manning, training, and equipping combat-ready Navy forces for global operations. He started as Aviation Program Manager and rose to Executive Director of Training, where he became the driving force behind the Navy's Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training program — a revolutionary approach that combines real-world exercises with virtual reality and computer-generated scenarios to prepare warfighters for combat.
navyleadershiptraining- The Legacy Lives On
October 4, 2021 — A Life Cut Short
Virginia Beach, Virginia
On October 4, 2021, Bag passed away in a car accident. The outpouring of love that followed revealed just how many lives he had touched — from fellow naval aviators to Little League players, Navy families to neighbors.
The Virginia Beach community lost one of its most beloved members when Bag passed away on October 4, 2021. The flood of tributes that followed came from every corner of his life — Navy pilots who had flown with him, young athletes he had coached, families he had befriended, and colleagues whose careers he had shaped. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Creamer) Hefti and their sons Jay, Adam, and Shane.
familycommunitylegacy2021
October 4, 2021 — A Life Cut Short
Virginia Beach, Virginia
On October 4, 2021, Bag passed away in a car accident. The outpouring of love that followed revealed just how many lives he had touched — from fellow naval aviators to Little League players, Navy families to neighbors.
The Virginia Beach community lost one of its most beloved members when Bag passed away on October 4, 2021. The flood of tributes that followed came from every corner of his life — Navy pilots who had flown with him, young athletes he had coached, families he had befriended, and colleagues whose careers he had shaped. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Creamer) Hefti and their sons Jay, Adam, and Shane.
familycommunitylegacy
2022Bag's Buddies Founded
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Four friends raced the Ironman 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge to honor Bag and raise funds, launching the Captain John 'Bag' Hefti Memorial Scholarship Foundation — Bag's Buddies.
When Bag passed, his family and friends knew his spirit of generosity, teamwork, and joy had to live on. In 2022, four friends raced the Ironman 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge triathlon to honor Captain Hefti and raise funds for a scholarship foundation in his name. That effort became Bag's Buddies — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that awards scholarships to Virginia Beach student-athletes, provides youth sports grants to remove financial barriers, and brings the community together at the annual Bag's Big Bash celebration.
communityfamilylegacyyouth-sportsBag's Buddies Founded
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Four friends raced the Ironman 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge to honor Bag and raise funds, launching the Captain John 'Bag' Hefti Memorial Scholarship Foundation — Bag's Buddies.
When Bag passed, his family and friends knew his spirit of generosity, teamwork, and joy had to live on. In 2022, four friends raced the Ironman 70.3 Virginia's Blue Ridge triathlon to honor Captain Hefti and raise funds for a scholarship foundation in his name. That effort became Bag's Buddies — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that awards scholarships to Virginia Beach student-athletes, provides youth sports grants to remove financial barriers, and brings the community together at the annual Bag's Big Bash celebration.
communityfamilylegacyyouth-sportsFirst Scholarships Awarded & Youth Sports Grants Begin
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Bag's Buddies awarded its first $8,000 renewable scholarships to Virginia Beach student-athletes and launched youth sports grant programs to ensure every child can play, regardless of financial means.
Bag's Buddies began fulfilling its mission by awarding $8,000 renewable scholarships — $2,000 per year for up to four years — to deserving student-athletes graduating from Virginia Beach high schools who embody Bag's values of excellence, teamwork, and community service. The foundation also launched youth sports grants, including sponsoring NAS Oceana's Youth Sports and Fitness program and refunding registration fees for 100 players in the base's 2024 baseball season. Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team — Bag's philosophy lives on.
communitylegacyyouth-sportsscholarship2023
First Scholarships Awarded & Youth Sports Grants Begin
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Bag's Buddies awarded its first $8,000 renewable scholarships to Virginia Beach student-athletes and launched youth sports grant programs to ensure every child can play, regardless of financial means.
Bag's Buddies began fulfilling its mission by awarding $8,000 renewable scholarships — $2,000 per year for up to four years — to deserving student-athletes graduating from Virginia Beach high schools who embody Bag's values of excellence, teamwork, and community service. The foundation also launched youth sports grants, including sponsoring NAS Oceana's Youth Sports and Fitness program and refunding registration fees for 100 players in the base's 2024 baseball season. Play Hard, Have Fun, Same Team — Bag's philosophy lives on.
communitylegacyyouth-sportsscholarship
2024Navy Dedicates the Hefti Global LVC Operations Center
NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex, Virginia Beach
On May 14, 2024, the U.S. Navy dedicated a 40,000-square-foot training facility — the John 'Bag' Hefti Global LVC Operations Center — in honor of Bag's transformative contributions to naval training.
Over 250 family members, friends, military leaders, and community members gathered at NAS Oceana's Dam Neck Annex for the dedication of the John 'Bag' Hefti Global Live, Virtual, and Constructive Operations Center. Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, presided over the ribbon cutting alongside the Hefti family and U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans. F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from VFA-106 flew overhead in tribute. The 40,000-square-foot facility is the Navy's first dedicated LVC training center, consolidating operations previously spread across four sites — exactly the kind of work Bag dedicated his career to.
navylegacytrainingfamilyNavy Dedicates the Hefti Global LVC Operations Center
NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex, Virginia Beach
On May 14, 2024, the U.S. Navy dedicated a 40,000-square-foot training facility — the John 'Bag' Hefti Global LVC Operations Center — in honor of Bag's transformative contributions to naval training.
Over 250 family members, friends, military leaders, and community members gathered at NAS Oceana's Dam Neck Annex for the dedication of the John 'Bag' Hefti Global Live, Virtual, and Constructive Operations Center. Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, presided over the ribbon cutting alongside the Hefti family and U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans. F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from VFA-106 flew overhead in tribute. The 40,000-square-foot facility is the Navy's first dedicated LVC training center, consolidating operations previously spread across four sites — exactly the kind of work Bag dedicated his career to.
navylegacytrainingfamily
The Bag's Buddies Motto
Three simple words that guided Bag's life and now inspire the next generation of leaders.
Play Hard
Give everything you have, every time. Dedication and perseverance are the foundations of excellence—on the field and in life.
Have Fun
Joy is the fuel that sustains effort. Embrace every moment, celebrate the journey, and bring positive energy to everything you do.
Same Team
We rise together. Support your teammates, lift others up, and remember that true success is shared success.
Investing in Tomorrow'sLeaders
The Captain John "Bag" Hefti Memorial Scholarship has awarded over $100,000 to deserving student-athletes from Virginia Beach high schools—each receiving $8,000 ($2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years).
Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, athletic excellence, and demonstrated leadership—the same qualities that defined Bag's remarkable career.
Bag's Big Bash
Our signature fundraising gala brings together family, friends, and community to celebrate Bag's legacy and raise funds for future scholarships.
Join us at the beautiful Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club on the waterfront of Linkhorn Bay for an evening of celebration, connection, and giving back.
Our Impact
Together, we're building Bag's legacy one scholarship at a time.
Join the Mission
Your support helps Virginia Beach student-athletes achieve their dreams. Every donation directly funds scholarships and keeps Bag's legacy alive.