Robert C. Oaks
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| Gen Robert C. Oaks | |
|---|---|
| born February 14, 1936 | |
 Robert C. Oaks photographed as a Lieutenant General in 1986 |
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| Place of birth | Provo, Utah |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/branch |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1959–1994 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | United States Air Forces in Europe Air Training Command |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit(2) Distinguished Flying Cross Meritorious Service Medal (2) Air Medal(9) Air Force Commendation Medal |
Robert C. Oaks is a retired U.S. Air Force general who served as commander of Air Training Command and United States Air Forces in Europe. Oaks is currently a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).[1][2][3]
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[edit] Background and Education
Oaks was born on February 14, 1936 in Los Angeles, California to Charles and Ann Oaks. He grew up in Provo, Utah, where he graduated from Brigham Young High School in 1954. In 1959 Oaks was in the first class to graduate from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Military Science. He earned a master's degree in business administration from Ohio State University in 1967 and graduated from the Naval War College in 1974.
[edit] Military Assignments
Upon completing pilot training, Oaks served as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, once being shot down over the Mekong Delta. His command positions included the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; 86th Tactical Fighter Wing, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Allied Air Forces Southern Europe, in Naples, Italy; Air Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas; and eventually, United States Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He also held several key planning and personnel staff positions at headquarters U.S. Air Force, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C., U.S. Air Forces in Europe. He retired as a Four Star General and Commander and Chief of U.S. Air Forces Europe and NATO Central Europe in 1994 after serving 34 years.
[edit] Post-military
Following his retirement, Oaks was employed at U.S. Airways as Senior Vice President. In 2000, Oaks resigned from this position when he was called to serve as a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy.[4] In this capacity, Oaks has served as president of the Africa East Area of the LDS Church. In 2004, he was called to be one of the seven presidents of the Seventy when his predecessor, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, was called to be an apostle of the church. In that capacity, Oaks oversaw the efforts of the area seventies in the North America Central Area of the church. He was released from the Presidency of the Seventy on August 1, 2007 and currently serves in the Second Quorum of the Seventy and as president of the Europe Central Area of the church.
[edit] Family
Oaks married Gloria Mae Unger from Provo, Utah on June 10, 1959. They have 6 children: Perry, Barton, Keri, Derek, Brock and Kristie. Derek and Brock are graduates of the Air Force Academy and are currently on active duty. Barton is a B-2 Spirit pilot and Derek is an A-10 pilot.
[edit] References
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