Former Air Force Commander Visits

In January, the chapter welcomed Maj. Gen. John Closner, USAF (Ret.), former Air Force Reserve commander, to its first luncheon of 2013. Gen. Closner served active, guard and reserve positions totaling 300 combat sorties and more than 6,000 hours flying the A-10, F-100, F-105 and F-16 aircraft. He had a long and distinguished 32-year Air Force career, retiring in 1994 as chief of the Air Force Reserve and Air Force Reserve commander. In his address to the chapter entitled “Today's Challenges We Are Facing as a Nation,” the general provided his opinions of how American society has changed since World War II, the current problems we face and their root causes—illustrating his points with entertaining and relevant stories from his rich personal experiences in the Air Force. With his direct speaking style and strong personal convictions, Gen. Closner unabashedly cited the significance of God and family throughout his life and the importance of good parenting on today's youth. He concluded with a message of hope that as the United States' leaders address the current political challenges, the nation will ultimately be stronger as citizens determine their personal positions on the many issues that require debate. Gen. Closner married his wife of 46 years before his tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He was blessed with a son and daughter shortly after his return from combat, and today has six grandchildren sharing a 28-acre country retreat in East Texas. He is active in Christian ministry, locally and in Mexico, with a focus on boys incarcerated in state prisons.

Event Photographs: