The Global War on Terror: Is It Really Worth It? Major Gen. Robert Dees (Ret.)
| Date/Time: | Wednesday, 29 Mar 2006 at 7:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Location: | Great Hall, Memorial Union |
| Cost: | Free |
| Contact: | |
| Phone: | 515-294-9934 |
| Channel: | Lecture Series |
| Categories: | Lectures |
| Actions: | Download iCal/vCal | Email Reminder |
MAJOR GENERAL(Retired)
ROBERT F. DEES
U.S. ARMY
Major General (Retired) Robert F. Dees was born in Amarillo, Texas on 2 February 1950. Upon graduation from the US Military Academy in 1972, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry and was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree. He also holds a Master of Science degree in operations research and systems analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the US Army Command and General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He was also a Research Fellow at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Virginia.
Upon commissioning, General Dees attended the Infantry Officer Basic, Airborne, and Ranger Courses. He then served in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) as a rifle platoon leader, company executive officer, Aide-de-Camp, company commander, and battalion adjutant and personnel officer. In 1977, General Dees attended the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, followed by the Naval Postgraduate School. He then taught Operations Research at the U.S. Military academy, serving part of that time as an intern on the Joint Staff. In 1983, General Dees attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
General Dees next served in Germany, initially as a Division Chief of War Plans and later as Deputy Division Operations Officer for 1st Armored Division. He then served as Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division.
Returning to the United States in July 1987, General Dees served on the Army Staff as an Operations Research Analyst in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. In November 1988 he assumed command of the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.
Returning to Washington in July 1991, General Dees attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University. He then commanded 3rd Brigade, "Rakkasan," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at Fort Campbell, Kentucky until November 1994. General Dees next served as a Research Fellow at the Royal College of Defence Studies, London, England, from December 1994 until January 1996. After serving as Vice Director for Operational Plans and Interoperability, J7, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, DC, he served as Assistant Division Commander (Operations), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky (July 1997 - September 1998), and Commanding General, 2d Infantry Division, Eighth United States Army (September 1998 - October 2000). General Dees last active duty assignment was Deputy Commanding General of V Corps, United States Army Europe and Seventh Army.
General Dees' awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (2), Legion of Merit (2), Meritorious Service Medal (6), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Korea Chonsu Order of National Security. General Dees has also been awarded the Ranger Tab, Senior Parachutist and Air Assault Badges, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge, and the Joint Staff Identification Badge.
General Dees is married to the former Kathleen Robinson of Houston, Texas. They have two married children and four grandchildren. Son Rob (with wife Kristy and three children) is an Army Captain currently in graduate schooling at Texas A&M. Daughter Ali (with husband Paul and son Mitch) lives in Rochester, NY. General and Mrs. Dees moved to Washington, DC, in September 2002. Officially retiring from the Army on 1 January 2003, he worked as Executive Director, Defense Strategies, Microsoft Corporation for two years. In April 2005, he assumed duties as Executive Director, Campus Crusade for Christ Military Ministry, Newport News, VA.
While in the military, General and Mrs. Dees have served as uniformed missionaries with the USA Officer's Christian Fellowship (OCF) and the Association of Christian Conferences, Teaching and Service (ACCTS). He was recipient of the 2003 Centurion Award from the National Association of Evangelicals for long-term support to chaplains while in command positions. General Dees currently serves as Vice President, North America, for the Association of Military Christian Fellowships (AMCF), and on the Board of Directors for ACCTS, Great Dads, and the International Association of Evangelical Chaplains. Mrs. Dees serves on the Board of Directors for Military Community Youth Ministries (MCYM). General and Mrs. Dees are grateful for the privilege of "knowing Christ and making Him known" in today's military society.