Spring 2007

Scholarship Support for Air Force ROTC Cadets

When Col. Kimble Stohry, Detachment Commander of Miami University's Air Force ROTC, is looking to provide some extra inspiration for his cadets, he often draws upon the example of a young man who used to toil behind mules while working summers on his grandfather's farm.

After four years as a cadet in Miami's Air Force ROTC, the young man traded in the mules to train in fighter jets that could fly at the speed of sound. Thus was the humble beginning of Gen. Joseph W. Ralston '65, who would one day rise to command more than 65,000 troops from 39 nations as Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the highest ranking position in NATO.

"If a farm boy who came through this program can fly fighter jets and one day become a general, then our cadets really have something to shoot for," Stohry said.

Ralston's impact on Miami's Air Force ROTC goes much further than the remarkable example he has left for the cadets of Detachment 640, however. A recent $1 million gift made in Ralston's name through the Vanguard Charitable Endowment program will provide, in perpetuity, financial aid in the form of tuition, fees, room and board for undergraduate students in Miami's Air Force ROTC program.

"The gift is a wise investment in the future of our nation," Stohry said. "Providing these future leaders with a top-notch liberal arts education is a wonderful way to support our troops and our university."

Ralston, a Kentucky native, graduated from Miami University's Air Force ROTC program in 1965 to begin an impressive career spanning nearly four decades. He attained the rating of Command Pilot as a fighter pilot, recording more than 2,500 flying hours, including 147 combat missions over Laos and North Vietnam.

His lifetime of service to the country includes assignments as Commander, Alaskan Command, North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (NORAD); Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Commander of the U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO.

Bill Stout '65 graduated with Ralston from Miami's Air Force ROTC program and spent several years ascending the Air Force ranks alongside Ralston. Now the Chief Pilot and Director of Airport Operations at Miami University, Stout recalls Ralston as a good friend and great pilot who was well-equipped for any situation.

"Joe was top drawer in all respects," Stout said. "Unlike a lot of generals out there, he was also an outstanding pilot. He always had an insight as to what was going on, no matter what the situation, and I don't ever recall seeing him in a situation that he wasn't in control of."

Stout and Ralston went through much of their flight training together, maintaining a friendly but competitive relationship, until career aspirations sent them in different directions.

"I just wanted to fly planes, but Joe had loftier goals," Stout said. "He knew from day one that he wanted to rise to the top, and our ROTC training was very conducive to that."

Ralston, who joined the Air Force ROTC program during the early stages of the Vietnam Conflict, was one of more than 500 cadets in those days, but the natural leader rose to the position of Cadet Wing Commander while laying the foundation for the brilliant military career that was to follow.

Today, Miami's Air Force ROTC program is nearly 60 strong while continuing to rank as one of the outstanding Detachments nationally.