Lieutenant Colonel John R. "Jack" Suter graduated from Paulsboro High School in 1971 where he was a four time varsity letter winner, District, and Region Champion. Team captain and NJSIAA championship qualifier his senior year, he finished the dual meet season undefeated, losing only in the state tournament. At the college level he attended the United States Naval Academy Prep School and the United States Naval Academy where he competed on both varsity wrestling teams.

Upon graduation, Suter attended flight school at the Naval Air Training Command in Pensacola, Florida where he received his wings as a Marine CH-53 helicopter pilot. In 1983 Suter, now a Captain, was selected for duty with the Presidential Helicopter Squadron. He was designated a White House Aircraft Commander where he served for five years flying President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George Bush, Cabinet members, Heads of State, dignitaries, and senior military personnel to various destinations. Future tours took Suter to the Middle East where he participated in combat operations during Desert Storm and then deployed to Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. In June of 1996 Lieutenant Colonel Suter took command of the "Iron Horses" of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 and remained as Commander until May of 1998.

Suter has accumulated over 6,000 flight hours and has qualified in nine different military aircraft throughout his career. His personal decorations include the Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral "2", two Meritorious Service Medals, and three Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals. Additionally, he received the Sikorsky Rescue Award and is authorized to wear the Presidential Service Badge. Retired from active duty in 2004 after 32 years and 11 months of military service, Suter now instructs Marine aviators in the CH-53E helicopter. Suter was married for 27 years to his childhood sweetheart and most avid fan, the late Debby Emerson Suter. They have four children: Christine, Jessica, and twins Eric and Jason, and three grandchildren: Harrison, Emerson, and Trey.