ROGER GARRISON
1942  - AIR FORCE


Roger graduated from Texas A & M University at age 19 in 1940. He was too young to receive his military commission, so he was put on reserve status.  Roger was called into the Army Air Corp. on September 1, 1942 and received the rank of Second Lieutenant.  

He served in India in 1944 with the Flying Tigers 14th Air Division and returned to the States when the war ended 1945. There were several state side assignments and when the Army Air Corp was changed to the US Air Force in 1947 he was offered a Regular commission and the rank of Captain.

Roger was sent to Guam where he served as Base Adjacent. The war in Korea was declared the day after he arrived. He received a promotion to Major while on Guam.

In 1952 he was sent to Command and Staff school at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. One year as a student and four years on the teaching staff. Then to Indiana University to work for his Masters Degree.  In 1957 he was sent to France, serving with the Inspector General for Europe. Returning to Texas A & M University in 1960 to teach Air Science for four years.

A promotion to Lt. Col. took him to Washington D.C. and the Pentagon in 1964, where he ran the classified mail and message center for the Pentagon and the White House.  The summer of 1968 he was assigned as Advisor to the Thailand Air Force. The war in Viet Nam was on by then. 

September 1, 1971 Roger retired after 30 years in the Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

Roger married Lora B. Davis on June 20, 1942.

Roger and Lora B. moved to Utopia in 1971 and built their home on part of her family land. Roger was known for making the best peanut brittle around. He became a potter; and many in the Utopia area were collectors of his pottery.

He was a member of the Utopia United Methodist Church and Utopia Lions Club for 35 years. He started the Food Pantry and ran it until his death.

Roger died in Feb. 2001 protecting his family at their home.  Roger will be remembered as a hero and a Gentleman!

Thank you Roger for your patriotism and dedication to protecting our freedoms!