Tuesday, June 17, 2008

UT Dallas to host air combat expert, CNN analyst

By Pegasus News wire

Maj. Gen. Donald W. Shepperd, a decorated combat pilot and CNN military analyst, will discuss the challenge that the Mideast poses for aviation at a public lecture Saturday at UT Dallas's McDermott Library.

Maj. Gen. Donald W. Shepperd. Way cooler than you.

Shepperd’s presentation is titled "Double, Double, Toil and Trouble - Implications of the Modern World (Especially the Mideast) for Aviation" and will be held June 21, 2008, at 4 p.m. in McDermott Library Auditorium (MC 2.410) at UT Dallas. It is free and open to the public.

A reception and book signing will follow in the Special Collections Department on the library’s third level, where patrons can meet Maj. Gen. Shepperd. He is the co-author of Bury Us Upside Down, a book about the “Misty Pilots,” who flew low-level reconnaissance in Southeast Asia. The UT Dallas Bookstore will have copies of the book available at the lecture.

Shepperd served as the Air National Guard director at the Pentagon from 1994-98. He was responsible for formulating, developing and coordinating programs, policies and plans affecting the almost 117,000 Air Guard members in 1,300-plus units throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and Virgin Islands.

He graduated from the fourth class of the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1962. After receiving his wings, he was assigned to duty in West Germany and South Vietnam. He joined the Arizona Air National Guard in August 1974.

He is an expert in tactical fighter aviation. His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Air Medals, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In 1987, he transferred to the Massachusetts ANG as the air commander of the 102nd Fighter Interceptor Wing. In 1989, he was appointed deputy director, Air National Guard, National Guard Bureau. He is a command pilot with more than 5,000 hours. He flew 247 fighter combat missions in Southeast Asia.

Maj. Gen. Shepperd retired from the military in 2000 and is currently a military analyst for CNN.

Posted by Chad / info from UTD

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