DAYTON, Ohio
Oct. 29, 2003

The incredible stories of 155 fighter pilots who flew in Top Secret missions during the Vietnam War is brought to life when Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Donald W. Shepperd speaks at the U.S. Air Force Museum on November 21 at 7:30 p.m.

The former head of the Air National Guard and current military analyst for CNN and ABC radio, Shepperd will discuss his book, Misty: First Person Stories of the F-100 Fast Facs in the Vietnam War as he presents first-person, personal accounts full of emotion, drama, tragedy and humor during extremely difficult times in the Vietnam War.

Shepperd served as an active-duty tactical fighter pilot with the Air Force from 1962-1969 and flew more than 245 fighter combat missions in Southeast Asia. He then returned to the U.S. and served one more year on active duty before serving in the Air National Guard.

After working his way through the ranks, Shepperd served as head of the Air National Guard from 1994-1998. In that capacity, he commanded over 110,000 Air National Guard personnel, 1,400 aircraft, 88 flying units, and 250 support units spread throughout the 54 states and territories. He oversaw preparation and execution of a $4.2 billion budget and worked daily with all of the Air Force Major Commands and Congress.

Today, Shepperd serves as president of The Shepperd Group, Inc., which performs independent consulting on defense, strategic planning, and executive leadership. In addition he serves as an author and speaker, writing articles and providing commentary on military subjects.

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Shepperd's lecture, Misty A Top Secret Mission and a Book, 35 years Later, is part of the Museum's Wings and Things lecture series. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the lecture will be held in the Museum's Carney Auditorium. For more information, or for special seating arrangements (hearing impaired), contact the Museum's Special Events Office at (937) 255-8046, ext. 312 or visit www.wpafb.af.mil/museum. Filming or videotaping the lecture is not permitted.

The U.S. Air Force Museum is located on Springfield Pike, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year s Day). Admission and parking are free.

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, contact the U.S. Air Force Museum's Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-4704, ext. 330.

Contact:

United States Air Force Museum
Public Affairs Division
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433-7102
Public: (937) 255-8046, ext. 312