Major
General Jerry W. Ragsdale is the commander of the Texas Air National Guard, and
chief of staff for State Headquarters, Texas Air National Guard, Camp Mabry,
Austin, Texas. He is the senior officer within the State Headquarters and
acts/operates on behalf of the adjutant general of Texas, commanding,
controlling and supervising all Air National Guard units within the State.
Provides support to the National Guard Bureau and all assigned military forces,
State or Federal.
The general attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He began his military career by receiving a commission through Officer Training School, Lackland Air Force Base in 1971. Assigned to the Texas Air National Guard, Hensley Field, Dallas, Texas, he served as the transportation management officer and civil engineer operations and maintenance officer. After serving as commander of the 136th Civil Engineering Squadron, he served on the State Headquarters’ staff as state civil engineer and director of support.
1970 Bachelor of science degree in civil engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
1972 Squadron Officer School, by correspondence
1977 Bachelor of business administration, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
1977 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence
1981 Master’s degree in business administration, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
1985 National Security Management Course, by correspondence
1. Feb 1971 – Apr 1974, transportation management officer, 136th Combat Support Squadron, Texas Air National Guard, Hensley Field, Dallas, Texas
2. May 1974 – Nov 1980, civil engineering officer, 136th Civil Engineering Flight, Texas Air National Guard, Hensley Field, Dallas, Texas
3. Nov 1980 – Oct 1982, operations officer, 136th Civil Engineering Flight, Texas Air National Guard, Hensley Field, Dallas, Texas
4. Nov 1982 – Oct 1987, civil engineering officer, 136th Civil Engineering Squadron, Texas Air National Guard, Hensley Field, Dallas, Texas
5. Nov 1987 – Nov 1991, commander, 136th Civil Engineering, Texas Air National Guard, Hensley Field, Dallas, Texas
6. Nov 1991 – Jul 1994, state civil engineer, Headquarters Texas Air National Guard, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas
7. Jul 1994 – Aug 1997, director of support, Headquarters Texas Air National Guard, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas
8. Aug 1997 – present, chief of staff, Headquarters Texas Air National Guard, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal with service star
Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with six oak leaf clusters
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with oak leaf cluster
Air Force Training Ribbon with oak leaf cluster
Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal
Texas Outstanding Service Medal
Texas Medal of Merit
Governor’s Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster
Adjutant General’s Individual Award with two stars
Texas Faithful Service Medal with four cactus leaves
Oakmont Capital Group, Commercial Real Estate Investments
Registered Professional Engineer-Texas
Second Lieutenant Feb 22, 1971
First Lieutenant Dec 3, 1972
Captain Mar 17, 1975
Major Apr 13, 1980
Lieutenant Colonel Feb 6, 1988
Colonel Feb 24, 1994
Brigadier General May 23, 1998
Major General September 26, 2001
(Current as of October 2003)
The date of publication indicated on this biography reflects the most recent update. It does not necessarily reflect the date of printing.