General Robert W. McDonald

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University, 1950.

MG McDonald was a member of the Texas Army National Guard from September 1947 to October 1950, serving in the 132nd Field Artillery, 36th Division.

He enlisted in the USAF in 1951 and served as a B-25 assistant crew chief until he entered pilot training in December 1951. After graduating from pilot training in December 1952, he flew F-80s, F-86Fs and F-86Hs at Nellis, AFB, Nev., George AFB, Calif., and Cannon AFB, New Mexico. During this time he advanced to Squadron Commander of the 388 FBS which was assigned F-86Hs.

Entered the Texas Air National Guard in February 1956, and flew F-86Ds and Ls in the 181st FIS until 1965 where he progressed to Flight Commander. The 181st converted to KC-97Ls and he served in numerous positions including Squadron. Operations, Squadron Commander, Wing Director of Operations, and Wing Vice Commander until 1980. The 181st converted to C-130s in 1977 and MG McDonald continued to remain combat ready in the C-130 until he retired. He served as Deputy Commander Texas Air National Guard from 1980 until October 1983 when he was named Commander Texas Air National Guard. He was promoted to Major General and federally recognized on June 28, 1984. He retired on his 60th birthday on a cross-country flight to St. Croix in January 1989.

MG McDonald accumulated more than 8,000 hours mostly in F-80, F-86, KC-97L and C-130 aircraft during his 42 years of service. He made 52 flights to Europe in KC-97Ls over a 10-year period, of which 43 were in support of Operation Creek Party which furnished a large portion of the air refueling requirements of USAFE between 1967 and 1977.

His decorations and awards include The Legion of Merit, Air Force Commendation Medal, USAF Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters and 23 other federal and state ribbons. He was installed in the Texas Guard Hall of Honor in Austin, Texas on November 6, 1999.

He has extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. He worked for Shell Oil Company and ARCO for 23 years. He was President of Producers Gas Company from May 1977 until May 1980. He was President of Liberty Natural Gas Company from 1980 until retiring in 1991.

His civic affiliations include the National Guard Associations of the United States and Texas, Military Order of the World War, Daedalians and numerous Oil and Gas Associations.

MG McDonald has been married to his wife (Toni) for 42 years and they have three children.