Dionel E.
Aviles ’53
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Army Maj. Gen.
Houston, TX
Dr. Dionel E. Avilés '53 received bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Civil Engineering in 1954, 1961 and 1966, respectively. Avilés served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and later furthered his education at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. In 1981, he founded Avilés Engineering Corp. which has been instrumental in projects such as Houston’s Minute Maid Park, Reliant Stadium, and Bush Intercontinental Airport. Avilés has volunteered his time to Texas A&M, serving on the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, Corps of Cadets Development Council, the Texas A&M Hispanic Network and the President’s Board of Visitors. He was awarded with The Association of Former Students Distinguished Alumni Award.
Robert C.
Beyer, Jr. ’53
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Air Force Brig. Gen.
Tampa, FL
General Beyer was born in Dallas in 1932. He was awarded a bachelor of science degree and commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., in 1956. The general received a master of science degree from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., in 1976. He graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va., in 1971; and from the Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in 1976.
General Beyer was then ordered to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., as an air officer commanding a cadet squadron. After two years, he was appointed the first exchange officer to the U.S. Military Academy as a tactical officer in the Office of the Commandant of Cadets.
The general is a command pilot with more than 3,600 flying hours and has flown F-102s; F-4C's, D's and E's; and F-5E's.
His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 13 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbon with "V" device and oak leaf cluster.
Brig. Gen. Robert C. Beyer, Jr. retired August 1, 1987. He passed away on August 22, 2015.
Charles R.
Cargill ’53
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Bryan, TX
Maj. Gen. Charles R. Cargill was a mobilization assistant to the commander, Air Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
Maj. Gen. Charles R. Cargill was born in Waco, TX and raised in Eddy, TX. He entered Texas A&M University where he earned a bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and a masters degree of Business Administration in Organization and Management.
He received his Reserve commission while at Texas A&m through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He was called to active duty in 1954 during the Korean conflict. He was assigned to the 1735th Air Transport Squadron, Air Evacuation, at Brookley Air Force Base, AL. He went on to serve with many other squadrons where he held the position of supply officer. In 1980 he was named mobilization assistant to the commander.
His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with five oak leaf clusters and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass device.
Maj. Gen. Charles R. Cargill retired after 35 years of combined active and reserve service. He currently resides in College Station, TX.
George R.
Harper ’53
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Army Brig. Gen.
San Antonio, TX
George Robert (Bob) Harper was born on April 1, 1932, in Brownwood, Texas. His natural mother died at his birth and he was adopted by his natural aunt and uncle Bland E. and Anna D. Harper. He first married Sammye Lee Jenkins Harper in 1966. After she passed away, he married Polly Lawhon of San Angelo. He graduated from Brownwood public schools in 1949, and Texas A&M College in 1953. He received a B.S. in Agricultural Administration and was commissioned as second lieutenant in the US Army Reserve. Bob served three years on active duty, serving in various army posts including Keflavic, Iceland for 13 months with the 2nd Battalion Combat Team. He served 27 years in reserve status, retiring in 1994, as a Brigadier General. He was a qualified jump master, senior jumper, and Army Ranger. His military education included: Basic Infantry Officer's Course, Airborne and Rangers Schools at Fort Benning, Ga.; the Armor Career Course at Fort Knox, Ky.; The Command and Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, USAR School in Houston, Texas. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his years of service after retirement. Bob spent his career in the insurance claims business, working as an independent adjuster for several insurance companies. He was a registered Professional Adjuster, retiring as VP of Claims, KM Insurance Company, Dallas, Texas. He served as president of the National Guard Association of Texas; The Odessa and San Angelo A&M Clubs; San Angelo Rotary West Club, and the Permian Basin Claims Association. He was Senior-Warden at St. John's Episcopal Church in Columbus, Texas; Senior Warden at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, in Universal City, Texas; and a vestry member at St. John's Episcopal Church in Odessa, Texas.
Robert O.
Petty ’53
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Air Force Brig. Gen.
Bassett, VA
Brig. Gen. Robert O. Petty was born in 1933, in Graham, Texas. He earned a bachelor of science degree in range and forestry Management from Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1953 and received his commission through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.
He was the director, Defense Communications System Organization, Defense Communications Agency, Washington, D.C. He was responsible for planning, programming and managing the Defense Communications System, the worldwide network of long distance point-to-point and switched communications for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and other government agencies
His military awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon.
Brig. Gen. Robert O. Petty retired on August 1, 1984. He passed away March 4, 2016.
John J.
Roark ’53
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Air National Guard Brig. Gen.
Dallas, TX
Brig. Gen. John J. Roark had been active in various aspects of urban development for almost 50 years and has been a leader in civil engineering, urban transportation, system design, and commercial development.
He completed ROTC training at Texas A&M University as a Distinguished Military Student and commissioned second lieutenant.
His most recent military service was as Deputy Commander of the Texas Air National Guard.
Brig. Gen. John J. Roark is currently retired and resides in Dallas, TX.
Charles M.
Scott, Jr. ’53
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Army Brig. Gen.
Litchfield Park, AZ
Brig. Gen. Charles M. Scott, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M University in 1953 with a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering.
Brig. Gen. Charles M. Scott, Jr. is retired and currently resides in Litchfield Park, AZ.
Harry V.
Steel, Jr. ’53
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TX Army National Guard Maj. Gen.
San Antonio, TX
Maj. Gen. Harry V. Steel, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M University in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry.
Maj. Gen. Harry V. Steel, Jr. is retired from his military career and currently resides in San Antonio, TX.
G.J.
Wilson, Jr. ’53
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Army Maj. Gen.
Houston, TX
Maj. Gen. G.J. Wilson, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M University in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in Geology.
Maj. Gen. G.J. Wilson, Jr. is retired from his military career and currently resides in Houston, TX.
Thomas G.
Darling ’54
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
College Station, TX
Major General Thomas G. Darling was deputy commander in chief and chief of staff U.S. Command Atlantic Command, U.S. Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. In August 1984 he was named vice commander, 15th Air Force, at March Air Force Base, CA. He assumed his duties as chief of staff for Atlantic Command in June 1986 and was assigned concurrent responsibilities as deputy commander in chief in September 1986.
His military awards and decorations include Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, and Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with oak leaf cluster and Air Force Commendation Medal. In addition, General Darling was awarded the MacArthur Medallion for his leadership initiatives while serving as commandant of the Armed Forces Staff College.
Maj. Gen. Thomas G. Darling retired August 1, 1987 and currently resides in College Station, TX.
Donald J.
Johnson ’55
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State Guard Brig. Gen.
Bryan, TX
While at Texas A&M University, Brig. Gen. Johnson studied Wildlife Management. He is married to Pam Johnson. From May to August of 1996, Donald J. Johnson was the interim Commandant for Texas A&M University. He retired as Deputy Commandant and Chief of Staff for the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University.
George H.
Akin ’56
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Army Maj. Gen.
Fort Worth, TX
Maj. Gen. George H. Akin was born March 26, 1934, in Henrietta and graduated from Texas A&M in 1956. Upon commissioning from Texas A&M as a second lieutenant, he served in the U.S. Army for 35 years. His military tours included serving in Germany, Vietnam, Turkey and Korea. He attended the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., and received his MBA from Babson College in Needham, Mass. When he retired from the U.S. Army, he was the commanding general for the U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. Moving to Fort Worth, he was associated with Freese & Nichols, Inc. He was inducted in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame, received an honorary doctorate degree from Babson College and was recognized as an outstanding alumnus from Lowry May College and Graduate School of Business, Texas A&M University. He was the recipient of numerous military awards, including the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters and the Bronze Star. Maj. Gen. George H. Akin retired and resided in Fort Worth, TX. He passed away in 2009.
Don O.
Daniel ’56
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Army Maj. Gen.
Mason , TX
General Daniel began his military career by enlisting in Company B, 358th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division on 11 November 1951. He served in a number of 90th and 75th Division Artillery and Infantry units. At Texas A&M University, he earned a B.S. in engineering and was part of the Class of 1956. He received an ROTC commission in the Infantry on 24 May 1956. He served successfully as a platoon leader and executive officer of a rifle company and as commander of Company B, 5th Tank Battalion, 15th Armor. Following the deactivation of the 90th Infantry Division in January 1966, General Daniel transferred to the 36th Infantry Brigade (Sep) as Intelligence Officer (S2) of 2nd Battalion 141st Infantry and also served as Operations Officer (S3) and Executive Officer of the Battalion. In February 1973, he was assigned as Battalion Commander and following the re-designation of the battalion as a maneuver battalion of the 49th Armored Division, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in January 1974. General Daniel was transferred to Headquarters 49th Armored Division in April 1976 and served as the Division Logistics Officer (G4). He was assigned to 49th Armored Division Support Command and promoted to Colonel on 4 November 1979. On 2 November 1983, General Daniel became the Chief of Staff of the 49th Armored Division. He was reassigned and became the Assistant Division Commander, Maneuver and was promoted to Brigadier General on 2 November 1984. On 23 May 1989 General Daniel assumed command of the 49th Armored Division. LTG Daniel served with honor and distinction with over 38 years of dedicated service to the Texas Army National Guard and the United States Army. As a visionary, caring, servant leader and change agent, he was instrumental in bringing the TXMF and its members to new ways of thinking and adopting new ways of business. He epitomizes the organizational values of the Texas Military Forces, a true trailblazer who made an extraordinary and positive impact on the Texas Military Forces and shaped the organizational environment for the future. LTG Daniel and his wife reside in Mason, TX. He is part of the Texas Military Forces Hall of Honor.
Woodrow A.
Free ’56
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Army Brig. Gen.
Brenham, TX
Woodrow A. “Woodie” Free was born on July 30, 1933. He studied Animal Science and Agricultural Education while at Texas A&M University. He was married to Joan Free. Brig. Gen. Free passed away on July 23, 2016.
Jerome L.
Johnson ’56
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Navy Adm.
Fort Myers, FL
Adm. Jerome L. Johnson is the President and CEO of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), a non-profit charitable organization whose purpose is to provide financial assistance to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families in time of need.
A native of Texas born in 1935, Adm. Jerome L. Johnson attended Texas A&M University prior to entering the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1955. Adm. Johnson is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Ca. and The Defense Intelligence College in Washington, DC. He was awarded a Doctor of Strategic Intelligence (honoris causa) from the DIC.
Adm. Jerome L. Johnson served in the Navy from 1956-1992. He served as the commander of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. From 2002 to 2004, he served as Chairman of the Board for the 385-thousand members of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
His military awards and decorations include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and the Air Medal.
Adm. Jerome L. Johnson is retired now. He and his wife, Joy, reside in Fort Myers, FL. They have three adult children, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Thomas R.
Olsen ’56
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Sumter, S.C.
Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Olsen was vice commander, Headquarters 9th Air Force, and deputy commander, U.S. Central Command Air Force, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M in 1956. He is a command pilot with more than 4,400 flying hours, the general flew the T-33, T-39, F-4, F-86, F-100, F-102 and F-111.
He was second in command for all U.S. Allied air forces in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
His military awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal with 15 oak leaf clusters.
Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Olsen retired on November 1, 1991 after 35 years of active duty. He was then executive director of the Sumter Base Defense Committee for 17 years. Maj. Gen. Olsen passed away on January 5, 2014. Survivors: wife, Jackie; four children, including Thomas R. Olsen, Jr. ’79; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister.
Dennis A.
Wilkie ’56
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Army Brig. Gen.
Columbia, MD
Brig. Gen. Dennis A. Wilkie graduated from Texas A&M University in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Brig. Gen. Dennis A. Wilkie is retired from his military career and currently resides in Columbia, MD.
Brig. Gen. Wilkie is left in the picture.
James S.
Cassity, Jr. ’57
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Air Force Lt. Gen.
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Lt. Gen. Cassity was born in 1935 and considers Gary, Texas, his hometown. He was a 1958 graduate of Texas A&M University and received a master of science degree in systems management from the University of Southern California in 1969. He is a graduate of Defense Systems Management College, the Air War College and has completed Harvard Business School's advanced management program.
He was was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 1958 and earned his pilot wings at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas. He is a command pilot with more than 4,500 flying hours, including 180 combat hours in helicopters. General Cassity's operational assignments include flying H-21 helicopters in support of missile testing at Hurlburt Field, Fla., in 1961 and 1962, then two years in the airborne early warning mission at Otis Air Force Base, Mass., as an EC-121 pilot and aircraft commander.
Lt. Gen. James Cassity awards and decorations include Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Lt. Gen. James S. Cassity, Jr. retired on July 1, 1991 and passed away on December 30, 2008.
Donald L.
Moore ’57
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Air Force Brig. Gen.
College Station, TX
Brig. Gen. Donald L. Moore was vice commander, Air Force Communications Command with headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
He was born in 1935, in Oklahoma City. After high school he came to Texas A&M University and received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science from Texas A&M University.
The general is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours. His military decorations and awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.
His military decorations and awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal.
Brig. Gen. Donald L. Moore passed away on October 12, 1987.
Paul L.
Carroll, Jr. ’58
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Air National Guard Brig. Gen.
Bryan, TX
Paul L. Carroll, Jr. was Commander of the 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing in the California Air National Guard. He was promoted to Brig. Gen. in January 1988. He is married to Carolyn Carroll. While at Texas A&M, he studied Personnel Administration.
Paul L.
Greenberg ’58
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Army Maj. Gen.
Stafford, VA
Maj. Gen. Paul L. Greenberg was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 25, 1935. Upon completion of his Reserve officer training and undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University, in 1959 he was commissioned a second lieutenant and awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry
He entered active duty in 1959 as a nuclear weapons instructor at Sandia Base, New Mexico. He also served as the commander of Longhorn Ammunition Plant in 1976, the commander of the Rock Island Arsenal in 1981, he provided leadership Persian Gulf War and as a capstone to his distinguished military career, he devised the only successful Defense Reutilization Program in the country for Government-owned, contractor-operated ammunition plants that were scheduled for closure.
Maj. Gen. Paul L. Greenberg was the vice president at Day and Zimmerman and the president of the Ordnance Corps Association.
Maj. Gen. Paul L. Greenberg retired to Stafford, VA.
Maj. Gen. Paul L. Greenberg passed away in December 2019.
Sam C.
Turk ’58
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Army Maj. Gen.
Gonzales, TX
Maj. Gen. Sam C. Turk graduated from Texas A&M University in 1958 with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics.
He was the Adjutant General of Texas, headquartered at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas.
His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal.
Maj. Gen. Sam C. Turk is retired and currently resides in Gonzales, TX.
James E.
Freytag ’59
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Air Force Brig. Gen.
Moulton, TX
Brig. Gen. James E. Freytag Freytag was born in 1936, in Moulton, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the ROTC program. Brig. Gen. Freytag received a master's degree in business administration from Auburn University in June 1969. He graduated from Squadron Officer School in 1966, Air Command and Staff College in 1969, and the Air War College in 1975.
He was the deputy commander for strategic systems, Electronic Systems Division, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. During his military career he worked as a logistician with the 303rd Bombardment Wing, Strategic Air Command, David Monthan Air Force Base, AZ. Upon completion of missile training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, in August 1962, he returned to Davis Monthan Air Force Base with an assignment to the 390th Strategic Missile Wing as a Titan II missile deputy combat crew commander. He traveled a little more throughout the United States.
Brig. Gen. James E. Freytag's military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal. He also wears the Master Missileman Badge.
Brig. Gen. James E. Freytag retired on May 1, 1988 and resides in Moulton, TX.
John
Serur ’59
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Air Force Brig. Gen.
Austin, TX
Brig. Gen. John Serur was the commander of the Defense Contract Administration Services Region, Los Angeles.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas A&M University in 1959.
After receiving his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Texas A&M College in May 1959, General Serur's first assignment was as supply officer for the 779th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, Opheim Air Force Station, MT.
His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, joint Service Commendation Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.
Brig. Gen. John Serur retired on August 1, 1989 and currently resides in Austin, TX.
James R.
Taylor ’59
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Army Maj. Gen.
New Braunfels, TX
Maj. Gen. James R. Taylor graduated from Texas A&M University in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in General Business.
He served as Chief of Staff of the Eighth United States Army/United States Forces Korea before his retirement in 1992. Previously, he served as Commanding General of the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Starr, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Maj. Gen. James R. Taylor is retired and currently resides in New Braunfels, TX.
Charles R.
Weaver ’59
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State Guard Brig. Gen.
Killeen, TX
Brig. Gen. Charles R. Weaver graduated from Texas A&M University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in History.
Brig. Gen. Charles R. Weaver has had a distinguished military career. He retired from federal active service in 1988 with the rank of Colonel. He was commissioned in the Texas State Guard in 1989 and retired from state active service in 1998 with the rank of Brigadier General.
His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and the Legion of Merit.
Brig. Gen. Charles R. Weaver is retired from his military career and currently resides in Killeen, TX.