John B.
Sylvester ’67
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Army Lt. Gen.
Herndon, VA
Lt. Gen. John B. Sylvester graduated from Texas A&M University in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science. He holds a Masters of Science Degree in Education and Counseling from Long Island University and has completed a fellowship at Texas A&M University.
His military service has included a tour in Vietnam, two tours in Bosnia and Herzegovina, five tours in Germany and a wide variety of assignments in the United States.
He is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. Lt. Gen. John B. Sylvester is best known for his command of the famed Tiger Brigade of the 2nd Armored Division attached to the 2nd Marine Division in the first Gulf War, and his three tours of duty in the Balkans culminating as the commander of SFOR. Sylvester was awarded the Silver Star during Operation Desert Storm.
His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star Medal with V Device (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), the Ancient Order of St. Barbara, and the Honorable Order of St. George.
Lt. Gen. Sylvester is retired from his military career and currently resides in Herndon, VA.
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.
Michael H.
Taylor ’70
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Army Maj. Gen.
Lufkin, TX
Maj. Gen. Michael H. Taylor graduated from Texas A&M University in 1970 where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. His military career started after his graduation.
Maj. Gen. Michael H. Taylor was the Commander of the 49th Armored Division, Texas Army National Guard at Camp Mabry in Austin, TX.
His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
Charles M.
Taylor, Jr. ’42
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Army Brig. Gen.
Santa Barbara, CA
Brig. Gen. Charles M. Taylor, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M University in 1942 with a bachelor's degree in Economics.
Brig. Gen. Charles M. Taylor, Jr. passed away in 2000.
Merdith W. B.
Temple ’85
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Army Maj. Gen.
Richmond, VA
Maj. Gen. Meredith W.B. Temple graduated from Texas A&M University in 1985 with a Master's degree in Civil Engineering.
He retired as deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on August 31, 2012 after serving the nation for more than 37 years.
Temple served as deputy commanding general since January 2010. Among his accomplishments, Temple served the longest stint as acting commander in the history of USACE June 2011 to May 2012, between the retirement of Lt. Gen. Robert L. Van Antwerp and the assumption of command byf Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick as the new commanding general and chief of engineers.
“I’m happy and proud to have served the Army and the nation with so many wonderful Soldiers and civilians and in so many different locations,” Temple said during his retirement ceremony.
Temple is a native of Richmond, Va., and a 1971 graduate of that city’s Thomas Jefferson High School. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1975, and was commissioned a lieutenant in the Engineer Branch of the U.S. Army. He also holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College
Temple has had other assignments with USACE. He was deputy commanding general for Civil Works and Emergency Operations and deputy commanding general for Military and International Operations (both at USACE Headquarters in Washington, D.C.), commander of North Atlantic Division in New York City, and commander of Transatlantic Programs Center in Winchester, Va.
Other Army assignments include theater engineer (C7), Combined Joint Task Force Seven in Iraq; assistant chief of staff, Operations (G3), XVIII Airborne Corps; and he commanded the 20th Engineer Brigade (Combat) (Airborne Corps) and the 307th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne).
Temple’s achievements and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two oak leaf clusters), the Bronze Star Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal and other service and unit awards. He holds the Master Parachutist badge. In 2010, Engineering News Record magazine recognized Temple as one of its top 25 newsmakers.
Maj. Gen. Temple passed away in November 2020.
George
Thompson ’77
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Army Brig. Gen.
New Braunfels, TX
Brigadier General George R. Thompson, Jr. began his military service by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in December 1974. He served two years in the 1st Marine Division obtaining the rank of Sergeant (Meritoriously). He enlisted in the Texas National Guard in June 1984 and attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in July 1985.
Since commissioning, Brigadier General Thompson has served in a variety of command and staff assignments: Commanding Officer, Company G, 143rd Infantry (Airborne - Long Range Surveillance); Battery Commander, Headquarters & Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery (Washington Artillery); Commander, 1st Battalion, 289th Training Support Battalion, 4th Brigade, 75th Division; Group Commander, 1st Battle Command Training Group, 1st Brigade, 75th Division, Deputy Commanding General, 84th Training Command and Commanding General, 86th Training Division (Operations).
Brigadier General Thompson graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Safety Engineering, holds a Master of Science in Environmental Systems Management from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College.
His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Engineers Career Captains Course, the Combined Arms and Service Staff School, the Command and General Staff Officers Course, the Army War College, Flag and General Officer Capstone Course at the National Defense University, and Advanced Joint Primary Military Education at the Joint Forces Staff College.
Brigadier General Thompson’s military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Parachutist Badge. He is also the recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice “Primicerius” by the National Infantry Association.
Brigadier General Thompson retired July 2015. He is a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas and a Certified Safety Professional. He lives with his wife, Maggie, in New Braunfels, Texas.
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.
John A.
Van Alstyne ’66
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Army Lt. Gen.
College Station, TX
Lt. Gen. John A. Van Alstyne graduated from Texas A&M University in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in Marketing.
He served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy in Washington, D.C before his retirement in 2002. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Commerce and Marketing at Texas A&M University.
His military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medals and the Army Commendation Medal.
He currently serves as the Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University.
Woodrow W.
Vaughan ’39
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Army Lt. Gen.
Alexandria, VA
Lt. Gen. Woodrow W. Vaughan attended Texas A&M University, he is class of 1939.
He was responsible for the logistical support of American and Allied forces in China during World War II, focused on Army logistics for 35 years of his 50-year career at every level and in every functional area.
He served as a Quartermaster in research and development, procurement, supply, staff and command - from Company A in the field to Theater Headquarters, on the Army General Staff, the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Army Materiel Command, and the Defense Supply Agency.
Lt. Gen. Woodrow W. Vaughan is retired and currently resides in Alexandria, VA.
Billy M.
Vaughn ’49
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Army Brig. Gen.
Arlington, TX
Brig. Gen. Billy M. Vaughn graduated from Texas A&M University in 1949 with a bachelor's degree in Accounting.
Brig. Gen. Billy M. Vaughn is retired and currently resides in Arlington, TX.
John A.
Warden ’08
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Army Brig. Gen.
Brig. Gen. John A. Warden passed away in 1973.
Cranford C.
Warden ’21
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Army Brig. Gen.
Brig. Gen. Carnford C. Warden has passed away.
Jerome J.
Waters ’13
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Army Brig. Gen.
In 1938, Jerome Waters became an Instructor at Illinois National Guard. In 1941, he became Commanding Officer of 6th Training Regiment. From 1942 to 1944 he was appointed Commanding Officer Artillery 76th Division. From 1944 to 1945, he was Commanding Officer Artillery XXXII Corps. Brig. Gen. Jerome J. Waters passed away in 1972.
William L.
Webb, Jr. ’46
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Army Maj. Gen.
Vienna, VA
Maj. Gen. William L. Webb, Jr. attended Texas A&M University, he is class of 1946.
Maj. Gen. William L. Webb, Jr. is retired and currently resides in Vienna, VA.
Louis W.
Weber ’75
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Army Brig. Gen.
Woodway, TX
Brig. Gen. Louis W. Weber graduated from Texas A&M University in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in Management. He received a master's degree in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School, at Monterey, California. He was commissioned as an Armor officer from Texas A&M University as a Distinguished Military Graduate in December 1975.
His military education includes the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College (Georgetown University Fellow). He also served as a Congressional Fellow in Washington from 1992 to 1993 and was assigned as the Director of Training, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, on the Army Staff from 2003-2005.
Brig. Gen. Weber served in a variety of cavalry and armor leadership positions and had over ten years of command experience.
He served as a Cavalry Squadron Operations Officer during combat operations in Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991. Brig. Gen. Louis W. Weber commanded a Cavalry Squadron as a Lieutenant Colonel and deployed to Haiti in 1995 in support of United Nations peacekeeping operations. He deployed to Bosnia in 2000-2001 in support of NATO’s Stabilization Force operations.
Brig. Gen. Louis W. Weber served as the Deputy Commanding General for Support as a Brigadier General in the 3d Infantry Division during combat operations in 2003 in Iraq. He commanded the NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, Bosnia from August 2005 through September 2006.
After a year as the Vice Director of the Army Staff in Washington, he retired at the end of 2007 with 32 years of service.
His decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, UN Medal, the NATO Medal, the Presidential Unit Award, and the Valorous Unit Award. He was also Ranger and Airborne trained and qualified.
Brig.Gen. Louis W. Weber is retired and currently resides in Woodway, TX.
Richard J.
Werner ’25
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Army Brig. Gen.
San Antonio, TX
Brig. Gen. Richard J. Werner graduated from Texas A&M University in 1925 with a bachelor's degree in Architecture.
Brig. Gen. Richard J. Werner passed away in 1977.
Frederick H.
Weston ’29
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Army Maj. Gen.
San Antonio, TX
Maj. Gen. Weston made several contributions to military training in WWII. Weston was part of the War Department’s morale branch where he helped create the military’s Special Services programs. He wrote a book, Personal Affairs for Military Personnel and Aid for Their Dependents, which aided in the army’s creation of their information program. He was in command and helped organize the Texas National Guard’s 112th Armored Cavalry Regiment. In 1967, he had completed 35 years of military service and was recognized as an export on mobile warfare, light armor, and air-cavalry operations. Frederick Weston earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from Texas A&M University when it was still called Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College.
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.
Robert M.
Williams ’38
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Army Brig. Gen.
Greenville, Texas
Col. Robert M. Williams was born in Greenville, Texas, on 29 November 1916. He graduated from Texas A&M College in 1938, and on 1 July 1939 was commissioned as second lieutenant in the Regular Army and assigned to the 20th Infantry at Fort Francis E. Warren, Wyoming. In August 1940, he was ordered to the Panama Canal Department and assigned to the 5th Infantry
at Camp Paraiso. While serving there he was promoted to first lieutenant and captain.
Returning to the United States in the summer of 1942, he took the New Division Course at the Command & General Staff School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and upon graduation was ordered to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, as Headquarters Commandant of the 100th Infantry Division, soon to be activated. His promotion to major followed.
In early 1943, he was again ordered to Leavenworth, and upon graduation was assigned to the 399th Infantry, whose 3d Battalion he took over in August of that year. During January-March 1944, he attended the Canadian School of Infantry at Vernon, British Columbia. In March 1944, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. In October 1944, Colonel Williams sailed to France with the 100th Division. His battalion relieved a battalion of the 45th Division near Raon-l'Etape on 1 November 1944.
On 17 December, he was transferred to the 398th Infantry, and assumed command of the Regiment on that date. On 12 June 1945 he was promoted to colonel, and remained in command of the 398th until December 1945, the month the 100th Division left Germany for return to the United States for inactivation.
Colonel Williams' decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Col. Robert M. Williams passed away on June 19, 1985.
Clarence A.
Wilson ’38
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Army Brig. Gen.
Luling, TX
Brig. Gen. Clarence A. Wilson graduated from Texas A&M University in 1937 with a bachelor's in Industrial Engineering.
Brig. Gen. Clarence A. Wilson passed away in 1990.
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.
William R.
Wray ’52
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Army Maj. Gen.
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Maj. Gen. William R. Wray graduated from Texas A&M University in 1952 with a Master's in Civil Engineering.
William Wray was born and raised in DeQuincy, LA, son of Madonna Mozelle Hunt Wray and William Thomas Wray. He graduated from DeQuincy High School in 1942 and the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1946, beginning a distinguished career of 36 years as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the last nine years as a general officer.
General Wray served as a troop unit commander at all levels through the grade of colonel, as well as in various engineering and scientific assignments in the U.S., Philippines, Okinawa, France, Korea, Canal Zone, and Vietnam. As a captain he had the distinction of serving as the Officer-in-Charge of an Army, Air Force, Navy crew which started up and evaluated the Army's first nuclear plant designed specifically to produce electrical power.
During the early years of his career, he also earned his Master's Degree in Engineering from Texas A&M University. As a general officer, he was responsible for the construction of military facilities worldwide for the Army, Air Force, and several foreign governments. This work included construction of two new complete hardened air bases in Israel on an extremely tight time schedule at President Carter's direction. Those bases were essential to permit the timely withdrawal of Israeli Air Force units from the Sinai in compliance with the Camp David Accords.
On retirement from the Army in 1982, as its Deputy Chief of Engineers, General Wray was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the military's highest peacetime decoration.
Maj. Gen. William R. Wray is retired from his military career and resided in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX until he passed away on September 23, 2010.
Russell C.
Wrigght ’51
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Army Brig. Gen.
Vero Beach, FL
Russell Cowan Wright, 85, died Oct. 21, 2011, at VNA Hospice House. He was born Ashburn, Ga. and moved to Vero Beach 20 years ago, coming from Northport, N.Y. He was a veteran of the Army during the Korean War and retired from the Army Reserves as brigadier general. He retired in 1990 as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry. He was a member of Army Reserve Officers Association, had served as president of the Walkers Glen Homeowners Association and attended the First Presbyterian Church.
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.
Charles E.
Foster ’81
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Air National Guard Brig. Gen.
Eagle River, AK
Brigadier General Charles E. Foster is Commander, 176th Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. He is responsible to articulate a vision, set goals and objectives, develop leaders and provide a healthy and equitable environment in which 176th personnel may serve. He oversees recruiting, retention and training of more than 1,500 Air Guard members, as well as operational and maintenance control of twelve airlift C-130H, four rescue HC-130(H)N and six rescue HH-60G airframes for in-state and worldwide deployment. General Foster is responsible for the Alaska Air National Guard's first classic association, operating eight C-17 airlifters; and first active association, operating the wing's C-130H aircraft, both in partnership with the 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Additionally, as directed by the Base Realignment and Closure Act of 2005, General Foster is leading the closure of Kulis Air National Guard Base in Anchorage, Alaska.
General Foster received his commission in 1981, as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Texas A&M University. Prior to appointment as the wing commander, General Foster served in numerous assignments to include flying, operations and support functions, including command positions at the squadron and group level. Since joining the Alaska Air National Guard in 1990, General Foster has deployed five times to combat zones, including tours in Operations Southern Watch, Northern Watch and Enduring Freedom. In 2003, he became the first 210th Rescue Squadron Commander to lead the squadron (composed of six HH-60G helicopters, four HC-130 rescue/tanker aircraft, and a pararescue team of 30 enlisted and eight combat rescue officers) in combat operations. As an HH-60 Pilot, Search and Rescue Director and Rescue Control Center Controller, he is personally credited with helping save more than 200 lives.
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.
Talentino
Angelosante ’80
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Air Force Brig. Gen
Camp Smith, Hawaii
Brig. Gen. Talentino C. Angelosante is the Mobilization Assistant to the Director for Resources Assessment, J8, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii.
General Angelosante received his commission through Officer Training School in 1983. He began his Air Force service as an engineer at the Ballistic Missile Office, Norton Air Force Base, Calif. In 1987, he transitioned to the security police career field at Kirtland AFB, N.M. Four years later, he returned to working as an engineer at the Phillips Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, N.M. In 1992, he rejoined the security police, serving as Operations Officer, as Chief, Base Defense, Plans and Antiterrorism at Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and as Squadron Commander three separate times. He transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 2003 serving as a group and air base wing commander as well as on several major command and combatant command staffs. General Angelosante has deployed multiple times on active duty and as a reserve officer to include Panama, Peru, Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. Before assuming his present assignment, he was the Mobilization Assistant to the Assistant Chief of Staff, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
Awards and medals that Brig. Gen. Angelosante has received include the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with eight oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with bronze star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with three 'M' devices, NATO Medal with two bronze stars, Army Combat Action Badge.
Joseph W.
Ashy ’62
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Air Force Gen.
Montgomery, TX
General Joe Ashy, USAF (Ret) graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University in 1962. Along with operational fighter and staff assignments in the US, Pacific and Europe, he commanded a fighter squadron, two fighter Wings, the U.S. Air Force Tactical Fighter Weapons Center, Air Training Command, and Allied Air Forces Southern Europe/16th Air Force as the combined force air component commander (CFACC) directing combat operations in the Balkans. In his last posting, he was the “triple hatted” commander of: North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD); United States Space Command (USSPACECOM), and Air Force Space Command (AFSPC). A Command pilot with 289 combat missions in Vietnam, he flew more than 3,500 hours in the F-100, A-7, F-4, F-5, and F-16 fighter aircraft.
Among his awards and decorations are: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 13 oak leaf clusters and other awards and decorations.
After retirement from the USAF in 1996, he was President and CEO of Ashy and Associates, LLC. He and his wife Sue live in College Station, Texas.
Thomas S.
Bailey, Jr. ’69
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Air Force Brig. Gen.
Dayton, OH
Brigadier General Thomas S. Bailey Jr. was Command Surgeon of the Air Force Materiel Command at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. In this capacity he is responsible for advising the AFMC Commander on all medicinal matters, including the health and physical well being of personnel. General Bailey also oversees the environmental and occupational health support for the AFMC’s industrial, research, development and testing and evaluation missions. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Zoology at Texas A&M and his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Baylor University.
Some of Thomas S. Bailey, Jr. major awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with silver oak leaf clusters.
Brig. Gen. Thomas S. Bailey, Jr. retired on January 1, 2006 and currently resides in Dayton, OH.