Major General Robert W. Strong Jr., USAF (Ret) Robert William Strong Jr. died peacefully at home on March 16, 2006. He was born in Painseville, Ohio on November 23, 1917. His father, a West Point grad (class of '15), was a cavalry officer in the U.S. Army, and young Robert grew up in the nomadic, adventurous world of the old-time Army Brat. An alumnus of Valley Forge Military Academy, he entered West Point with a presidential appointment. He graduated in 1940 and earned his wings in 1941. During World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater with the 21st Bomber Command as a B-29 pilot and squadron leader. After the war, he held a variety of positions, including Tactical Officer at West Point, Asst. Air Attache to Canada, student at the Naval War College, and staff officer at Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In 1956 he returned to the Strategic Air Command as Field Commander. His commands included the 376 Bomb Wing, the Strategic Wing, the 825th Strategic Aerospace Division. In 1963 he was assigned to a three-year tour as Commandant of Cadets at the USAF Academy. From there he returned to SAC with command of the 817th Air Division at Pease AFB. His last USAF assignment was Chief of Staff of the 8th Air Force and senior staff executive in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. In 1970 he retired from the USAF. General Strong received a number of awards during his USAF career, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and two USAF Commendation medals. After retirement from the USAF he became the Superintendent at Valley Forge Military Academy and Junior College, his Alma Mater. General Strong was preceded in death by his parents, Brig. General Robert W. and Mildred M. Strong, and two brothers Walter and 1st Lt. Gordon Strong (West Point graduate). He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia Denit Strong; son David; three grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Graveside services and burial will be held at the family plot in West Point Cemetery at a later date. The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the wonderful Linda Cook and her family for the devoted care given to General Strong through his last years, and to Odyssey Healthcare for its constant support. In lie of flowers, donations may be made to the Sarver Health Center, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724, or to the West Point Alumni Association. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, AVALON CHAPEL .
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My deepest sympathies go to the Strong family. Cousin Virginia I am very sad at your loss and will always remember you and the General as I knew you as a young VF cadet. General Strong has always been an inspiration to me.
William Painter Mai
Son of Ruth Buchanan Mai (Locus Cove Va.)
William P. Mai
July 14, 2006
I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and wonderful memories of my grandfather. He was one of a kind and faithful in his integrity. He had a sense of humor and stories that always made us laugh. I only knew him in his family role, and I can tell you that he loved his family so much. It was very difficult to do wrong in his eyes, and he instilled honesty and integrity in us as we grew up. I miss him so much and am thankful that I had his example growing up.
Mike Strong
March 25, 2006
My memories of Gen Strong are very positive and sincere. He was a professional airman and as a senior at the Academy I remember organizing our squadron's Saturday morning inspection with his picture on each Cadet's desk. He was a great sport about it and know more now about his task at the Academy. I respected his leadership and wish his family well in their loss. Thank you for his service to his country.
Dean Hess
March 25, 2006
Your husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather signed my Air Force Academy diploma in 1963. God rest his soul and keep all of you in His loving arms. Gratefully, Tim Gallagher
Timothy Gallagher
March 24, 2006
This nation is made great by men of character and service like General Strong. May God raise up more men and women like him. They are much needed in our country and world today. May God also comfort his wife and family in their grief.(USAFA, 72)
Tom Schenk
March 24, 2006
I did not have the privilege of knowing this honorable man, but take pride in being associated with his legacy as an Air Force Academy graduate. As I read about his accomplishments and heritage I feel proud knowing he offered so much to his country and fellow man. My condolences to the family.
Wes Roberts
March 23, 2006
I was a cadet under Gen Strong leadership from 1963 to 1967. His staunch support of the cadets and the Honor Code during some very troubling times gave me an understanding of making correct choices under all circumstances. His lessons in leadership carried me through some very difficult times in service to my country, my community and the youth of this nation. My heartfelt sympathy to his family at this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Richard R. Lamothe, Lt. Colonel(Ret) Class of 1967
Richard Lamothe
March 23, 2006
As a 1968 graduate of the Air Force Academy, I can honestly say I first learned about being an exceptional Air Force officer from my commandant, General Strong. He was a good and decent man, whose life touched and changed us all for the better.
Robert M. "Bob" Johnston
March 22, 2006
My deepest sympathies to the General's family. I was a cadet when he served as Commadant of Cadets at the Air Force Academy. His leadership influenced my life. I thank him and you for his service to our nation. May he rest in peace.
John Hockemeier
March 21, 2006
My sympathy and regrets to family. I valued my service under you in SAC years ago. John E. Coulahan, Class of 1945
John E. Coulahan
March 21, 2006
My sympathy, respect and regards. From a member of the Class of 1965, USAFA.
William Roberts
March 20, 2006
It was an honor and privilege to have met you. May you rest in peace.
Sharon Anderson
March 20, 2006
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