Colonel Richard L. Klass served in the U.S. Air Force for over 22 years, retiring in 1980. Colonel Klass currently serves as Executive Director for the Veterans’ Alliance for Security and Democracy (VETPAC).
During his military service, Col. Klass served as Assistant for Western Europe and Military Assistant to the Principal Deputy for International Security Affairs and Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Colonel Klass served in Europe for the U.S. Air Force from 1972 to 1976 after working as a White House Fellow from 1970-1972. As a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam, Colonel Klass logged over 500 combat hours during the course of 200 missions.
Since his retirement from the Air Force, Col. Klass has served as a consultant and held several leadership positions in the private sector, including General Dynamics Corporation, Raytheon Aircraft and kin, inc., as well as the non-profit sector, including as President of the Veterans Institute for Security and Democracy.
Colonel Klass is a graduate of the USAF Academy (Distinguished Graduate), Oxford University (MA and MLitt) where he was a Rhodes Scholar, and National War College (Distinguished Graduate). His decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, and Purple Heart. He currently resides in Arlington, Virginia.
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