Donald J. Presto
Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Retired)

Donald began learning Applied Wing Chun Kung Fu in the Virginia Beach Wing Chun Kung Fu School under SiFu Duncan Leung. His training began in the youth class for a year then continued into the adult class, and finally into the senior class. In 1987, SiFu Leung sent him to Taiwan to experience Wing Chun Kung Fu in SiBok Lo Man Kam’s school. Formal Virginia Beach training ended in 1992 when he began a career in the military. 

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​Lieutenant Colonel Presto was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the Platoon Leader Class and then designated a Naval Aviator in 1995.

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In 1996 he reported to Okinawa, Japan and served in Marine Medium Helicopter Squadrons 262, 265 and Marine Aircraft Group 36. During this period Captain Presto participated in several training exercises in Thailand and South Korea. He also deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Desert Fox and to East Timor in support of Operation Stabilise.

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During 2000 Major Presto served as the India Company Commander in the Platoon Leader Class program at Officer Candidates School. He then reported to the 'Red Dragons" of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 and served as the Operations Officer.  In 2003 he deployed to Kuwait and flew combat missions into Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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He reported to the President’s Helicopter Squadron 1,served as the Presidential Helicopter Programs Test Director and flew the VH-3D and VH-60N in support of the President and his staff from 2005 to 2009.

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He was assigned as the Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton and flew as an aircraft commander in the Cessna Citation business jet . He retired after 25 years of honorable service.

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His personal decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross w/ Valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w/ numeral "7", the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Japan Ministry of Defense Cooperation Medal.