Marvin Ted
Hopgood ’65
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Marine Corps Maj. Gen.
College Station, TX
Maj. Gen. Ted Hopgood was born on August 6, 1943 in Belleville, IL. He received his B.S. degree in Physical Education from Texas A&M University in 1965, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He also holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Virginia (1976).
After completion of The Basic School at Quantico, Va., in December 1965, he served in Vietnam as Platoon Leader and Company Commander of Company K, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines. Completing the Amphibious Warfare School in July 1969, he returned to Vietnam where he commanded Company C, 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, and served as Aide-de-Camp to the commanding general of the 3d Marine Division. He continued on to serve as Operations Officer in Okinawa, Executive Officer for 2d Battalion, and Commanding Officer for 3d Recruit Training Battalion.
His awards and decorations include Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and gold stars in lieu of a second and third award, and Navy Achievement Medal.
Maj. Gen. Marvin T. Hopgood, Jr. retired as the President, Marine Corps University/Commanding General, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, VA and served as Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University from 1996-2002.
James M.
Hurley ’65
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Frisco, TX
Maj. Gen. James M. Hurley entered the Air Force in May 1965 as a graduate of the Texas A&M University Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
Maj. Gen. James M. Hurley was the director of Plans and Programs, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. He was responsible for the development of concepts, policies and doctrine for the employment of Combat Air Forces, the development of Combat Air Forces force structure requirements, the direction of all Air Combat Command planning, programming and budgeting system activities, the management of all Combat Air Forces force programs, and aircraft assignments.
He was a command pilot with more than 3,300 flying hours, principally in fighter aircraft, and flew 143 combat missions over North Vietnam and Laos.
His decorations and awards include Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and the Vietnam Service Medal.
Maj. Ge. James M. Hurley retired on November 1, 1995 and currently resides in Frisco, TX.
John E.
Simek ’65
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Army Reserve Maj. Gen.
Bryan, TX
Maj. Gen. John E. Simek graduated from Texas A&M University in 1965 with a Masters in Nuclear Engineering.
Maj. Gen. John E. Simek is retired from the military and currently resides in Bryan, TX.
Theodore G.
Stroup ’65
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Army Lt. Gen.
Falls Church, VA
Lt. Gen. Theodore Glen Stroup, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M University in 1965 with a Master's in Civil Engineering. He served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, United States Army, 300 Army Pentagon , Washington, D.C. before his retirement in 1996.
Previously, he served as the Director of the Program Analysis and Evaluation, Office Chief of Staff, United States Army.
His military awards and decorations include Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Staff Identification Badge.
Lt. Gen. Theodore G. Stroup is retired from his military career and currently resides in Falls Church, VA.
Leonard D.
Holder, Jr. ’66
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Army Lt. Gen.
Salado, TX
Lt. Gen. Leonard D. Holder, Jr. assumed command at Fort Leavenworth on July 19, 1995. He has since served as Commander, 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Support, Central Army Group (NATO). He also served as commandant of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star for Valor, the German Cross of Honor in Gold, and the Russian Medal for Military Excellence.
Lt. Gen. Leonard D. Holder, Jr. is retired and currently resides in Salado, TX.
Alvin W.
Jones ’66
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Army Maj. Gen.
College Station, TX
Maj. Gen. Alvin W. Jones currently resides in College Station, TX. Ambassador Alvin Jones retired from the US Army in May 1991 with the rank of Major General.
He entered the service in 1952 and was commissioned as a Corps of Engineer Officer in June of 1953. He served in Korea and Guam in 1953 and 1954. After being separated from active duty, Al became a member of the US Army Reserve serving in many key positions including the Commander of the 420th Engineer Brigade and the 377th Theater Support Command.
He received a BS degree from North Texas State University, an MS from Texas A&M University and is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College as well as the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
General Jones was employed by Texas A&M University for 32 years. After retiring from TAMU he was elected and served eight years as Brazos County Judge in Texas.
Donald L.
Peterson ’66
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Air Force Lt. Gen.
Fairfax Station, VA
Lt. Gen. Donald L. Peterson entered the Air Force in 1966 after graduating from Texas A&M University.
He was the deputy chief of staff for personnel, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
He served as the senior Air Force officer responsible for comprehensive plans and policies covering all life cycles of military and civilian personnel management.
His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal.
Lt. Gen. Donald L. Peterson retired on September 1, 2001 and lived in in Fairfax Station, VA.
He passed away July 3, 2017, after a long illness. A memorial service was held July 8 in Allen, TX, then was interred with full military honors June 18, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
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.
Frank D.
Watson ’66
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Colorado Springs, CO
Maj. Gen. Frank D. Watson graduated from Texas A&M University in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in Physics.
He was a mobilization assistant to the deputy assistant secretary for management policy and program integration, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Headquarters US Air Force, Washington, D.C.
A distinguished military graduate of Texas A&M, he was commissioned as a regular officer through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program and entered active duty in 1966.
Maj. Gen. Frank D. Watson is President of International Business Associates, which he established in 1980 to provide consulting services in Executive Development, Organizational Effectiveness and Strategic Management.
His experiences in a variety of business and government environments have provided considerable insight and an expertise in many aspects of management and leadership. Using various risk adventure venues (e.g., freefall parachuting, mountain climbing, rock climbing), he profoundly impacts the character attributes and leadership style of senior leaders.
Maj. Gen. Frank D. Watson has written extensively on the subjects of quality and leadership. His first co-authored book, entitled Quality Through Leadership, has been used as a practitioner's handbook. A second book, Total Quality: A textbook of Strategic Quality Leadership and Planning, is used in graduate programs and seminars.
His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Recognition Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award.
Maj. Gen. Frank D. Watson retired on February 29, 2000. He currently resides in Colorado Springs, CO.
Geoffrey L.
Chesbrough ’67
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Navy Rear Adm.
Alexandria, VA
A native of Ohio, Rear Admiral Chesbrough U.S. Navy (Ret.) graduated the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1962. He attended graduate school at Texas A&M University, receiving his Masters Degree in Physical Oceanography. A long and distinguished naval career led him to Washington in 1990, where he served as the Oceanographer of the Navy until he retired in 1994. After retirement, he consulted on many projects including the building of a state-of-the-art Oceanographic Survey ship for the University of Hawaii. Following graduation from U.S. Naval Academy, Rear Admiral Chesbrough reported to USS MULLINNIX (DD-944) and served in the Engineering Department. While in MULLINNIX he was part of the blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He has also served at sea as the Weapons Officer in USS BRIDGET (DE-1024), as Operations Officer in USS CLAUDE V. RICKETTS (DDG-5), as commissioning Executive Officer in USS KINKAID (DD-965), as Commanding Officer in USS BRISCOE (DD-977), and as Commander, Destroyer Squadron SEVENTEEN. Rear Admiral Chesbrough also served afloat as the Fleet Schedules Officer and Surface Operations Officer in the Staff of Commander, U.S. SIXTH Fleet and in the Republic of Vietnam with the Vietnamese Navy. In Vietnam he was an advisor and only English speaking person on the Vietnamese ship HQVN CHI LINH (PCE-11). In Washington, he served in the Executive Office of the President, Office of Telecommunications Policy. He graduated with Highest Distinction from the United States Naval War College in 1978 and was requested to remain as part of the War College faculty in the department of Strategy and Policy. Additionally, he has served in the staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet as the Surface Warfare Readiness Officer and as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commander in Chief, Atlantic Command and U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Selected to Flag rank in November 1985, Rear Admiral Chesbrough served as the Director, Command and Control Planning and Programming Division (OP-940). In August 1988, Rear Admiral Chesbrough moved to the Republic of the Philippines and assumed duties as the Commander, Naval Surface Group, Western Pacific, Commander Surface Combatant Task Force SEVENTH Fleet (CTF 75), and Commander, Logistic Support Force, SEVENTH Fleet (CTF 73). In October of 1990, Rear Admiral Chesbrough returned to Washington and served as the Oceanographer of the Navy until he retired, July 1, 1994. After retirement, Rear Admiral Chesbrough consulted for The Florida State University, International Institute for Climate Change Prediction, and later was employed by Strategic Insight, a Washington area based management consulting firm. In his consulting career he has provided support, analysis, and advice to The Director of Surface Warfare, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (M&RA), the Program Executive Officer for Theater Surface Combatants, DCNO for Space and Electronic Warfare, the Program Manager for the Joint Command and Control Ship, the Defense Acquisition University, and the University of Hawaii where he assisted the University in building a state of the art Oceanographic Survey ship. Rear Admiral Chesbrough’s personal awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (4 awards), the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” distinguishing device, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), the Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and many others. He is married to Mildred Chesbrough.
Joe M.
Ernst ’67
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Army Maj. Gen.
San Antonio, TX
Major General Joe M. Ernst was the Commanding General of the 125th U.S. Army Reserve Command. His previous assignment was Deputy Commanding General, 90th U.S. Army Reserve Command San Antonio, TX.
Maj. Gen. Joe M. Ernst was commissioned through the Army ROTC at Texas A&M and also received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture 1965 and his Master of Science in Horticulture 1967.
He also served as the Senior Army Reserve Commanders Association President from 1999-2001.
Maj. Gen. Joe M. Ernst is retired. His awards and decorations include Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2nd Award); Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal w/ Silver Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/ Four Bronze Stars; Army Service Ribbon; Armed Forces Medal w/ Ten Year Device; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ Device; Global War on Terrorism Service Metal.
Patrick K.
Gamble ’67
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Air Force Gen.
Anchorage, AK
General Patrick K. Gamble was the commander of Pacific Air Force, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. He had responsibility for the Air Force activities that spread over half the globe in a command that supports 45,000 Air Force people serving principally in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Korea and Japan.
Gen. Patrick K. Gamble entered the Air Force in 1967 through the four year Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Texas A&M University. He flew 394 combat missions as a forward air controller in the O-1 Bird Dog in Vietnam. He has commanded a fighter squadron and three wings. Before assuming his current position, he was deputy chief of staff for air and space operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
His decorations and awards include Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation.
Gen. Patrick K. Gamble retired on May 1, 2001 and resides in Anchorage, AK.
Lee V.
Greer ’67
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Valdosta, GA
Major General Lee V. Greer was the commander of the Sacramento Air Logistics Center at McClellan Air Force Base, California. As commander of one of the five logistics centers, he was responsible for worldwide support of aircraft, space and missile equipment and communications-electronics-meteorological systems and equipment.
Before assuming his most recent position, he served as deputy chief of staff for logistics management systems, Headquarters Air Force Logistics Command and commander, Logistics Management Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
His military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
Maj. Gen. Lee V. Greer retired on October 1, 1988 and currently resides in Valdosta, GA.
Randolph W.
House ’67
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Army Lt. Gen.
College Station, TX
Lt. Gen. Randolph W. House graduated from Texas A&M University in 1968 as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He received his Master's Degree from Clemson University.
His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the National War College. Lt. Gen. Randolph W. House has commanded at every level of command from an infantry platoon in the 82nd Airborne Division through Deputy Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command. In addition, he had five joint assignments where he worked closely with all our services and other governmental agencies.
In September 2005, he was inducted into the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor.
His military awards and decorations include but are not limited to Defense Distinguished Service Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), Distinguished Flying Cross (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal (with an Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), 32 Air Medals, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist's Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge; and the Office of the Secretary of Defense Badge.
Lt. Gen. Randoph W. House retired in December 2000 after almost 33 years of service and currently resides in College Station, TX.
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.
Richard L.
Engel ’68
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Clinton, MD
Major General Richard L. Engel was the commandant of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, national Defense University, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
He commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Texas A&M University and entered undergraduate training in 1968. Over his military career he has become a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours in more than 30 different aircraft.
His awards and decorations include Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.
Maj. Gen. Richard L . Engel retired on July 1, 2000 and currently resides in Clinton, MD.
Hal M.
Hornburg ’68
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Air Force Gen.
Houston, TX
Gen. Hal M. Hornburg graduated from Texas A&M in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
Gen. Hal M. Hornburg, a retired United States Air Force General, serves as The Association of Former Students’ Past Chair for 2008.
General Hornburg entered the Air Force in 1968 as a graduate of Texas A&M University's ROTC program. He has commanded at all levels -- flight, squadron, wing, numbered air force and major command. He also commanded a composite fighter wing during Operation Desert Storm and the first Air Force composite wing during the services reorganization in 1991-1992.
As Former Commander, Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, Hal was responsible for more than 1,000 aircraft and 100,000 active-duty military and civilian members. Hal has commanded at all levels– flight, squadron, wing, numbered air force and twice at major command.
In 2003 he was inducted in to Texas A&M University’s Corps Hall of Honor.
Gen. Hal M. Hornburg retired on January 1, 2005 and currently resides in Fair Oaks Ranch, TX.
Stephen D.
Korenek ’68
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Army Brig. Gen.
Brownwood, TX
Brig. Gen. Stephen D. Korenek received his bachelors of liberal arts in Journalism from Texas A&M University in 1968. He currently is retired and resides in Brownwood, TX.
Michael C.
Kostelnik ’68
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Alexandria, VA
Maj. Gen. Michael C. Kostelnik was commander, Air Armament Center, Air Force Materiel Command, with headquarters at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
He was commissioned through the ROTC program in 1969 upon graduation from Texas A&M University. He earned a master's degree from the University of Iowa and completed postgraduate doctoral course work before entering active duty in 1970.
A command pilot, he has logged 3,000-plus flying hours in more than 40 aircraft types. He has served as a test pilot and test squadron operations officer conducting developmental flight tests on various weapon systems. He was the Air Staff requirements officer for the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night system, and the program element monitor for the F-15E and F-22. He later served as the commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School.
A certified acquisition professional, he has served as deputy director of the F-16 Systems Program Office and as program director for the Short-Range Attack Missile II, the Short-Range Attack Missile-Tactical, and the Aircraft Systems Program Office. He also served as vice-commander of the Warner-Robins Air Logistics Center, and later, of Air Force Materiel Command.
His awards and decorations include Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Maj. Gen. Michael C. Kostelnik retired on January 1, 2002 and currently resides in Alexandria, VA.
William W.
Pickavance, Jr. ’68
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Navy Rear Adm.
League City, TX
Rear Adm. William W. Pickavance, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He has served as Aide/Flag Lieutenant to Commander Light Attack Wings Pacific and to Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Executive Assistant to the Director, Air Warfare (N88).
His military awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, three Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and four Meritorious Service Medals.
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.
Kenneth W.
Hess ’69
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Burke, VA
Major General Kenneth W. Hess was the commander of the 3rd Air Force, Royal Air Force Mildennall in England. The 3rd Air Force is responsible for all U.S. Air Forces operations and support activities in Europe north of the Alps, and in Africa south of the Sahara.
General Hess entered the Air Force in 1969 through Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and has extensive staff experience at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Joint Staff and U.S. Pacific Command.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.
Maj. Gen. Kenneth W. Hess retired on July 1, 2004 and currently resides in Burke, VA.
James A.
Mobley ’69
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Army Brig. Gen.
Portland, TX
Brig. Gen. James A. Mobley received his Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from Texas A&M University in 1969.
Brig. Gen. James A. Mobley used to be the Command Surgeon of the 90th Regional Support Command and commander of the 807th Medical Brigade.
Brig. Gen. James A. Mobley has received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Order of Military Medical Merit.
He is retired from the Army and currently resides in Portland, TX.
Wilbert D.
Pearson, Jr. ’69
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
Fort Worth, TX
Maj. Gen. Wilbert D. Pearson, Jr. earned his Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering at Texas A&M in 1969.
Maj. Gen. Wilbert D. Pearson, Jr. was the director of operations, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
He was responsible for the command’s test policy and resource allocation, flight management, air craft control services, weather services and command post operations.
His military awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Maj. Gen. Wilbert D. Pearson, Jr. retired on January 1, 2005 and currently resides in Fort Worth, TX.
Frank
Pontelandolfo ’69
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Air Force Brig. Gen.
New Castle, DE
Brigadier General Frank Pontelandolfo Jr. '69 was previously the chief of staff, Headquarters Delaware Air National Guard (DE ANG), New Castle, Del. He served as the principal advisor to the assistant adjutant general for air, relating to state headquarters staff functions and activities. He also provided general direction to the headquarters staff. He is currently retired.
The general began his military career by first completing basic military training and then receiving a commission from the Officer Training School, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. After receiving his pilot wings at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., he completed C-130 training at Little Rock Air Force Base and Pope Air Force Base. He was assigned to Ching Chuan Kang Air Base Taiwan flying tactical airlift mission throughout South East Asia. He performed numerous temporary assignments in Viet Nam, Thailand, and the Philippines. He was briefly assigned to Plattsburg Air Force Base NY, where he took the Palace Chase option to join the DE ANG. He served on numerous temporary assignments including Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He served in a variety of positions prior to his appointment as chief of staff in October 2001. He was a command pilot with over 4,900 flying hours.
Veerapun
Putamanonda ’69
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Army Gen.
Bangkok, Thailand
Gen. Veerapun Putamanonda graduated from Texas A&M University in 1969 with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering.
James M.
Richards, III ’69
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Air Force Brig. Gen.
Mansfield, TX
Brig. Gen. James M. Richards received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Texas A&M University in 1969. He subsequently earned 2 master's degrees, one in systems management from University of Southern California and a second in military art and science from the Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Gen. Richards retired from the Air Force in 1996 after serving as director of long range power projection, special operations forces, airlift and training programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. where he was responsible to the Air Force acquisition executive for strategy, plans and programming options to ensure Congressional approval and funding for advanced weapon systems, including the B-2 Bomber and the C-17 Global Mobility Airlifter. He entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Texas A&M University in June 1969 and received his wings after graduating from pilot training at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, a year later. A command pilot, he accumulated more than 3,600 flying hours, 1,200 of which were in combat.
Some of his military awards and decorations include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with fourteen oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Combat Readiness Medal. He currently resides with his wife Cynda in Mansfield, Texas.
Robert T.
Howard ’70
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Army Maj. Gen.
North Springfield, TX
Maj. Gen. Robert T. Howard graduated from Texas A&M University in 1970 with a masters degree in Civil Engineering. He received his bachelors degree from Northeastern University in Boston. He also holds a Master’s degree in Military Art and Science (MMAS) from the Army Command and General Staff College and is a 1984 graduate of the National War College.
A native of Everett, MA his 33-year career in the Army began in 1963. While on active duty, Maj. Gen. Robert T. Howard served in a variety of command and staff assignments in the continental United States, Europe and Asia, with two tours of duty in Vietnam. His assignments included command of both an engineer battalion and brigade in the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps, respectively, as well as staff positions focusing on systems analysis, modeling and simulation, strategic planning and financial management. In his last active duty assignment, Maj. Gen. Robert T. Howard served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Army for Budget.
Maj. Gen. Robert T. Howard retired as a Major General from the U.S. Army in 1996 and spent the next nine years in the private sector with the Cubic Corporation.
He was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on September 26, 2006 and was confirmed by the Senate on Sept. 30, 2006.
Maj. Gen. Robert T. Howard resides in North Springfield, VA.
Gerald F.
Perryman, Jr. ’70
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Air Force Maj. Gen.
McKinney, TX
Maj. Gen. Gerald F. Perryman, Jr. was the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Warfighting Integration, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
He entered the Air Force in 1970 through Texas A&M University’s ROTC program after he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree.
He commanded the Air Force's Peacekeeper missile squadron during its transition from the Minuteman weapon system, and led the 91st Missile Group to win the 1994 Omaha Trophy as the best of U. S. Strategic Command's Air Force and Navy ballistic missile units. The general has commanded a missile wing and space wing.
His military decorations and awards include Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Combat Readiness Medal.
Maj. Gen. Gerald F. Perryman, Jr. retired on September 1, 2002 and currently resides in McKinney, TX.