Derek Duke, a candidate for City Council in District 5, says he wants to help protect and build on the quality of life that has made Statesboro his chosen hometown for 40 years. Duke, 73, who flew combat missions as an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War, went on to a 40-year career as an airline pilot. He also remained in the Air Force Reserve, being called up to other missions before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in the 1990s.