John entered USNA from Alexandria, VA after three years at Catholic University.  Following graduation from Navy, John completed flight and photo pilot training intending to become, as he wrote, a “Navy Super Aviator”.  His initial assignment was with VFP-61 flying F8 Photo Crusaders, then with VCP-61.  In 1965, he graduated from Naval Post Graduate School with a MS Degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  He returned to aviation duty with VFP-63, deploying twice to Vietnam.  John flew over 130 combat missions, “without having my butt shot off”. Subsequently, he was assigned as Test Pilot at the A-7 Production Plant in Dallas.

In 1972, John became Commanding Officer of VFP-63.  Following command, John attended the Naval War College.  He then reported as Air Boss on JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVA-67).  In 1976, he began successive tours as Executive Assistant for senior flag officers, the second as EA for the Deputy CNO, Logistics.  His last assignment was at Atlantic Fleet Headquarters in Norfolk. Captain Schulze retired in 1986.

For the next several years, John enjoyed a second career as a mathematics teacher in Virginia Beach instructing both honors and remedial math students. As a respected counselor, he was coach of the academic team at his school.

John died of cancer on 6 February 1996.  He was survived by Arline, his wife of 36 years who continues to live in Virginia Beach; son Michael, daughter Katherine and five grandchildren.  John will be remembered as a “super aviator”, committed to his family and to his teaching career.