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
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.
