Honorable Thomas F. Hall

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs

Secretary Thomas F. Hall, a native of Barnsdall, Oklahoma, was sworn in as the fourth Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs on October 9, 2002. A Presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate, he serves as the principal staff assistant to the Secretary of Defense on all matters involving the 1.2 million members of the Reserve Components of the United States Armed Forces. He is responsible for overall supervision of Reserve Component affairs of the Department of Defense.

Secretary Hall is a retired two-star Rear Admiral having served almost 34 years of continuous active duty in the United States Navy. He is a distinguished and decorated Naval Aviator, who served a combat tour in Vietnam. He has performed in numerous high level staff, command, and NATO positions during his career. He commanded Patrol Squadron EIGHT, Naval Air Station Bermuda, and the Iceland Defense Force. His final military assignment was as the Commander/Director/Chief of Naval Reserve. His military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Air Medal, and various other personal and unit decorations. He was awarded the Order of the Falcon, with Commander's Cross, by the President of Iceland in recognition of his accomplishments and service as Commander Iceland Defense Force. In 2000, he was given the International Partnership Award for his service to the United States and Iceland. He has been inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame. In 2003, he was given the National Service Award for Leadership by the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation. In 2004, he was given the National Citizenship Award by the Military Chaplains Association of the United States. In 2005, he was given the Admiral Jackson Award by the Reserve Officers Association. In 2006, Secretary Hall was inducted into the Reserve Officers Association's Minuteman Hall of Fame. Also in 2006, he was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, for his outstanding performance as the Chief Negotiator heading an interagency team involved in delicate bi-lateral discussions.

Secretary Hall attended Oklahoma State University for one year before entering the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. In 1963, he graduated from the Academy with a bachelor's degree in Engineering and was named as one of the top 25 leaders in his class, having commanded both the top Battalion and Company. He was, also, awarded the Brigade Intramural Sports Trophy. In 1971, he received a master's degree in Public Personnel Management from George Washington University. He graduated with highest distinction from the Naval War College; with distinction, from the National War College; and from the National Security Course at Harvard University. He was selected as a Fellow and served on the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group.

Secretary Hall has served on the Boards of Directors of numerous nonprofit organizations that are supporting the needs of our veterans and citizens in general. Prior to returning to government service, Secretary Hall served as the Executive Director of the Naval Reserve Association for six years. The Naval Reserve Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit veterans' organization that represents over 23,000 Naval Reserve officers, members, and their families.

Secretary Hall is married to the former Barbara Norman of Jacksonville, Florida. They have one son, Thomas David Hall.