Ronald J. Perkins

Biography

Ronald J. Perkins, Colonel – United States Air Force Retired

Ronald Perkins was born and raised in Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Ohio State University in 1967 and then his Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Boston University in 1981. He is also a graduate of Squadron Officer’s School, Armed Forces Staff College, and the Air War College.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through ROTC at Ohio State University. He received his pilot wings at Sheppard AFB, Texas, in February 1969. During his 29+ year career in the Air Force, he accumulated over 3000 hours of flight time flying fighters such as the F-100 and the F-111. He also had an exchange tour with the Navy flying the A-6.

A few of his assignments include the following: Commander of the prestigious F-111 Fighter Weapons School, Chief of the Americas Division where he directed the formulation, implementation, and management of Security Assistance for 28 countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean; Deputy Commander Iceland Defense Force/Island Commander Iceland; Director of the International Officer’s Program at the Air War College where he was responsible for officers and their families from 41 countries around the world; and the Department Chair for Aerospace Studies at Arizona State University.

Colonel Perkins’ decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with nine oak leaf clusters, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

After retiring from teaching Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training in 2006, he became active in supporting Veterans. He served on the Governor’s Veteran’s Advisory Commission. He has been President of the Arizona Council of Chapters of MOAA and President of the Arizona Chapter of MOAA. In 2012, he was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame.

Colonel Perkins is married to the former Elizabeth Soulier of Mt. Gilead, Ohio. They have three daughters: Lisa, Lori (deceased), and Susan. They also have three grandsons and three granddaughters.

Units Assigned

• 1968-1969 UPT Sheppard AFB, TX (T-37, T-38)
• 1969 15th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, Luke AFB, AZ  F-100C/D/F)
• 1969-1970 Combat Pilot 355th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Tuy Hoa AB, RVN (F-100D)
• 1970-1971 Squadron Pilot 431st Tactical Fighter Squadron, England AFB, LA (F-100D)
• 1971-1973 Squadron Weapons Officer F-111-F 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Mt. Home AFB, ID (F-111)
• 1973-1975 Instructor Pilot 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, RTU, Mt. Home AFB, ID (F-111F)
• 1975 RTU, Whidbey Island NAS, WA (VA-128, A-6E)
• 1975-1977 Navy Exchange Pilot, Whidbey Island NAS, WA (VA-165, A-6E)
• 1978-1981 Assistant Chief of Special Operations and Plans, Fifth Allied Tactical Air Force in Vicenza, Italy
• 1981-1982 Operations Officer 389th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, Mt. Home AFB, ID (F-111A)
• 1982-1983 Operations Officer 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Mt. Home AFB, ID (F-111A)
• 1983-1985 Commander Det 2, F-111 Fighter Weapons School, Mt. Home AFB, ID (F-111)
• 1985-1988 Chief of the Americas’ Division, International Programs Directorate, Air Staff in Washington DC
• 1988-1991 Deputy Commander Iceland Defense Force/Island Commander Island
• 1991-1994 Director Strategic Management Studies Air War College Maxwell AFB, AL
• 1994-1997 Department Chair Aerospace Studies, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

Awards & Decorations

Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal (with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Combat Readiness Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Service Cross

Flight Info

• F-100-542 hrs.
• F-111-1624 hrs.
• A6E-609 hrs.
• Other A/C- 283 hrs.

Total Flight Time: 3058 Hours;

Military Education

• 1972 Squadron Officer’s School
• 1978 Armed Forces Staff College
• 1985 Air War College

Civilian Education