10 June 1969: The U.S. Air Force donated the first North American Aviation X-15, serial number 56-6670, to the Smithsonian Institution for display at the National Air and Space Museum. The first of three X-15A hypersonic research rocketplanes built by North American for the Air Force and the National Advisory Committee (NACA, the predecessor of NASA), 56-6670 made the first glide flight and
Major General Thomas W. Powers’ final assignment was as the chief of staff, Headquarters, Ohio Air National Guard, Rickenbacker ANG Base, Ohio. In this capacity, he directed the military operations of the Ohio ANG and coordinated with the adjutant’s general department for the day to day functioning of the Ohio ANG.
General Powers graduated from Otterbein College, Westerville, Ohio, with a bachelor of science degree in economics and math, in 1968. His military education includes Air Command and Staff College, 1981;and Air War College, 1983.
General Powers enlisted in the 178th Tactical Fighter Group, Ohio ANG, on May 16, 1964. He participated with the 178th Tactical Fighter Group as an air operations specialist and as a command post controller, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He received a commission to the rank of second lieutenant and entered undergraduate pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, Okla. in July 1968. He earned his wings in September 1969, and was assigned to the 162nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, flying the F-84F Thunderstreek aircraft. In 1970, General Powers completed conversion training to the F-100 Super Sabre aircraft, where he remained until he transferred to the166th TFS, Rickenbacker ANGB in December 1974 as an F-1 00 pilot.
While still assigned to the 166th TFS, the general completed conversion training to the A-7D Corsair II aircraft at England AFB, La. in 1975. General Powers participated in numerous overseas deployments and held various positions, including life support officer, flight commander, and operations officer at the 166th TFS. In September 1986, was appointed squadron commander.
The general transferred to the 121st Tactical Fighter Wing as the air operations officer in April1988. He was transferred to Headquarters, Ohio ANG, as director of operations in June 1988. General Powers was selected as the chief of staff, Headquarters, Ohio ANG on April 1, 1992. During the fall of 1992, he completed conversion training for the C-130H aircraft.
General Powers is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in the F-84F, F-100, A-7/COR and the C-130H aircraft.
In his civilian capacity, General Powers is vice president and account executive for Banc One Services Corporation.
General Powers’ civic affiliations include the Air Force Association, National Order of Daedalians, National Guard Association of the United States, and the Ohio National Guard Association.
