USAFA Class Heritage Class of 1963

Retired Col Air Force 91: CP (Command Pilot): 

D: 20 Jun 2015;

88-91: Dpty lG ATC (Air Training Command);

86-88: V-Cmdr (Commander) (Vice Commander) OTS (Officer Training School);

85-86: Dir (Director) FffOpns ATC (Air Training Command);

83-85: DirOpns 47FTW Laugh/In AFB (Air Force Base);

81-82: Cmdr (Commander) 86FTS Williams AFB (Air Force Base); 76-81 : lnstrPff 86FTSq,OpnsO (Operations Officer) 85FTSq/T37-138 47FTWg/DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) LaughlinAFB;

73-76: FffManualMgrSMAALC McC/e/lanAFB;

71-72: TXA&M-MSAeroEngr;

69-71: lnstrPff 3251FTSq PerrinAFB;

68-69: ALOIFAC 9ROKlnfDiv NinhHoaABSVN;

64-68: lnstrPff 3641FTSq LaredoAFB;

63-64: PltTngSq LaredoAFB; 

1LOM (Legion of Merit)-1DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross)-5MSM (Meritorious Service Medal)-11AM (Air Medal)

35th Reunion (1998): This is a summary of the major events in the life of Bob DeSanto since 5 June 1963. Shortly after graduation, I married the former Irene Schumann of Duluth, MN and in the fall of 1963 we were off to UPT at Vance AFB, OK. From there I began my career as an “ATC Commando” spending twenty-two of my twenty-eight-plus years in Air Training Command. During my time in ATC I held every Wing level position from line IP to Wing/DO and numerous Director positions at the Command Level. My only time away from ATC was one year in the tropics off SEA as an ALO/FAC and a four-year directed duty assignment following a master’s program at Texas A&M. On 1 October 91, I retired at Randolph AFB, TX and moved to Mesa, AZ. Since then I have enjoyed my three successful daughters and my five grandchildren. Lowering my golf handicap has become a major priority! I have been an IP or Aircraft Commander in the following weapon systems: T-37, T-38, T-39, T-41, F-4C, and F-4D, and the O-1E.