PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. ? Retired Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok, former vice commander of Air Force Space Command, passed away April 24 in Omaha, Neb.
DeKok retired just one year ago this month from the Air Force.
During his tenure as vice commander here from 2000 to 2002, the general was known for his implementation of the 2001 Space Commission?s recommendations, which included incorporating the Space and Missile Systems Center into AFSPC and developing a professional cadre of space professionals.
DeKok received his commission with the Air Force in 1968. He served in numerous space plans and operations positions, from detachment level to space policy work in the White House.
While serving at the Pentagon in 1983, he coordinated the Air Force Space Plan and during his subsequent assignment to the White House National Security Council, he developed and coordinated the U.S. National Space Policy that was signed by President Reagan in 1988.
He commanded two space wings ? the 1st Space Wing (now the 21st SW) at Peterson from 1989 to 1990 and the 50th SW at Falcon AFB, (now Schriever AFB) Colo., from 1990 to 1993.
Before he was named vice commander of AFSPC in 2000, he served as director of plans for AFSPC from 1993 - 1995; the director of operations for U.S. Space Command at Peterson 1995 - 1996; commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB from 1996 to 1998; and deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C., from 1998 to 2000.
He was the recipient of the Presidential Service Badge, as well as the Master Space Badge.
During his career in the Air Force, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal with three OLC.
"Roger DeKok was a leader, innovator, mentor and, above all, a friend to the men and women of Air Force Space Command," said Gen. Lance Lord, commander of Air Force Space Command. "He was a true expert in our field who evolved space capabilities into their vital role in National Security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."
The funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m., April 29, at the Cadet Chapel at the U.S. Air Force Academy. A memorial service will also be held 10 a.m., May 2, at Headquarters, Air Force Space Command on Peterson AFB.
I spoke with Roger's wife Carloyn (class of 65 Tremper) who filled me in on some of Roger's details. He had retired from the USAF in 2002 and was working for Northrop Grumann. He was in Omaha for a high level meeting to be held on April 24, 2003 but he did show up for the meeting. When they finally found Roger, he was found dead in his Omaha hotel room. He died from an embellism causing his heart attack.
I had an opportunity to work at Peterson AFB and the JNTF for a few months, as a civilian engineer. I was certainly impressed with all the satellite work and military planning and simulation, taking place out there. That was definitely state of the art. If our dear old classmate was responsible for any portion of these activites, he sure carried a lot of responsiblity on his shoulders. Nice to see another Bradford success story, just sorry that life ended so early for Roger.
Thomas E. Irving
Roger DeKok, Former AFSPC vice commander, dies
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. ? Retired Lt. Gen. Roger DeKok, former vice commander of Air Force Space Command, passed away April 24 in Omaha, Neb.
DeKok retired just one year ago this month from the Air Force.
During his tenure as vice commander here from 2000 to 2002, the general was known for his implementation of the 2001 Space Commission?s recommendations, which included incorporating the Space and Missile Systems Center into AFSPC and developing a professional cadre of space professionals.
DeKok received his commission with the Air Force in 1968. He served in numerous space plans and operations positions, from detachment level to space policy work in the White House.
While serving at the Pentagon in 1983, he coordinated the Air Force Space Plan and during his subsequent assignment to the White House National Security Council, he developed and coordinated the U.S. National Space Policy that was signed by President Reagan in 1988.
He commanded two space wings ? the 1st Space Wing (now the 21st SW) at Peterson from 1989 to 1990 and the 50th SW at Falcon AFB, (now Schriever AFB) Colo., from 1990 to 1993.
Before he was named vice commander of AFSPC in 2000, he served as director of plans for AFSPC from 1993 - 1995; the director of operations for U.S. Space Command at Peterson 1995 - 1996; commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB from 1996 to 1998; and deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C., from 1998 to 2000.
He was the recipient of the Presidential Service Badge, as well as the Master Space Badge.
During his career in the Air Force, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal with three OLC.
"Roger DeKok was a leader, innovator, mentor and, above all, a friend to the men and women of Air Force Space Command," said Gen. Lance Lord, commander of Air Force Space Command. "He was a true expert in our field who evolved space capabilities into their vital role in National Security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."
The funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m., April 29, at the Cadet Chapel at the U.S. Air Force Academy. A memorial service will also be held 10 a.m., May 2, at Headquarters, Air Force Space Command on Peterson AFB.
Jeanette C. Hasselback (Schutz)
Wow, impressive to say the least! I didn't know Roger, but he sounds like someone I should have known. He did well in his life and went far.
Stephen Jacoby
Steve Jacoby,
I never knew Roger from Bradford, but played basketball against him when he attended Parkside and I from Racine-Kenosha County Teachers College.
Thomas E. Irving
I spoke with Roger's wife Carloyn (class of 65 Tremper) who filled me in on some of Roger's details. He had retired from the USAF in 2002 and was working for Northrop Grumann. He was in Omaha for a high level meeting to be held on April 24, 2003 but he did show up for the meeting. When they finally found Roger, he was found dead in his Omaha hotel room. He died from an embellism causing his heart attack.
RIP Roger G. DeKok Lt. Gen. USAF
Sherwin Kruger
I had an opportunity to work at Peterson AFB and the JNTF for a few months, as a civilian engineer. I was certainly impressed with all the satellite work and military planning and simulation, taking place out there. That was definitely state of the art. If our dear old classmate was responsible for any portion of these activites, he sure carried a lot of responsiblity on his shoulders. Nice to see another Bradford success story, just sorry that life ended so early for Roger.
Wayne Walker
My best memory (?) of Roger was when we where in 5th grade at Forest Park. We were playing
baseball during resuses and I was pitching. I threw one right over the plate and Rog hit a line drive
right into my bread basket. Took the wind right out of my sails. R.I.P. Lt. General Dekok Wayne