Lt. Col. Robert Vance
2006 Distinguished ROTC Alumnus
Lt. Col. Robert M. Vance, a native of San Antonio, entered the United States Air Force in 1987 as a graduate of the Angelo State University ROTC program with a degree in Computer Science.
Upon graduation, he entered Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training where he received an assignment to the C-141B Starlifter, a mobility aircraft specializing in equipment and personnel airdrop operations. In the performance of his duties, Lieutenant Colonel Vance participated in combat airdrop missions for Operation “JUST CAUSE” in 1989, combat support missions for Operations “DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM” in 1992 and airlift missions for Operation “RESTORE DEMOCRACY” in 1995.
Vance was selected as a Combat Crew Training School Instructor/Evaluator for the C-141B schoolhouse. During this tour, he completed a Masters of Arts in Computer Resources and Information Management in 1997, receiving Distinguished Graduate honors from Webster University.
Vance’s duties have taken him around the world with deployments to Spain, Egypt, South Korea, Philippines, Japan, and most recently, Kabul Afghanistan in support of Operation “ENDURING FREEDOM.”
As the Deputy Chief of the Air Division for the Office of Security Cooperation – Afghanistan, he was tasked with the planning and fielding of Afghan president Hamid Karzai while simultaneously developing the Air Corps for the Afghan National Army.
His duties included flying numerous missions with the Afghan National Army Air Corps in risky combat environments. On one occasion, Vance’s vigilance helped discover a cache of prohibited weapons. Using tact and diplomacy, he diffused a highly volatile situation, allowing the weapons to be peacefully seized by the United Nations.
A Master Navigator, he has logged more than 2,500 flying hours including Instructor and Evaluator time in the C-141B Starlifter and trainer aircraft. He has is a highly decorated officer and has received many awards including Squadron Workhorse of the Year (1996), Squadron Instructor Navigator of the Year (1997), and Company Grade Officer of the Quarter on three separate occasions.
Vance is currently stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany with his wife, Deborah, who also attended ASU, and 5 children, Allysen, Courtney, Megan, Jack Travis and four month old Erin.
Please welcome home the ASU Alumni Associations 2006 Distinguished ROTC Alumnus, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Vance.