MAJOR GENERAL BYRON E. MILLS JR.

Maj. Gen. Byron E. Mills Jr. is the mobilization assistant to the commander in chief, Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

He was born in Archer, Florida. He graduated from high school in Gainesville, Florida in 1951 and earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Florida Southern College in 1960. He completed the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1977, and the program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at Harvard University in 1987.

Maj. Gen. Mills enlisted in the Air Force in 1953, completed basic training and then entered the aviation cadet program. He completed navigator training at Harlingen Air Force Base, Texas, in 1954 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He remained there as a navigator instructor until he separated from active duty in July 1957.

Upon release from active duty the general completed his bachelor’s degree and then joined the Air Force Reserve. He was assigned to the 8512th Navigator Training Squadron, Ellington Air Force Base, Texas, from February 1962 to June 1966.

The general then transferred to the 67th Military Airlift Squadron at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas. He was recalled to active duty with this unit in January 1968 and served on extended active duty until June 1969. His assignment with the 67th Military Airlift Squadron continued until May 1970, when he was assigned to Headquarters Central Air Force Reserve Region at Ellington Air Force Base as an air operations staff officer. He remained at the headquarters, which was redesignated 10th Air Force in 1975, serving in the Plans Division and as director of intelligence until November 1979. During this period, 10th Air Force headquarters moved from Ellington Air Force Base to Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas.

Maj. Gen. Mills then served a five-month tour of duty as chief of the Intelligence Division, Headquarters Air Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. In April 1980 he was assigned to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, as mobilization assistant to the commander, Air Force Military Training Center. He became mobilization assistant to the commander of Strategic Air Command’s 8th Air Force, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, in May 1985. He assumed his present duties in August 1990.

The general is a master navigator. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with service star, Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with seven oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two hourglass devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon with oak leaf cluster, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In his civilian capacity, he is a banking consultant.

His civic and military affiliations include life membership in the Reserve Officers Association, for which he was national treasurer from 1980 to 1982; member of the Air Force Association; American Bankers Association and Texas Bankers Association. In 1987 and 1988 he represented the Air Reserve Forces as a member of the board of directors of the Air Force Commissary Service. He is a member of the Strategic Air Command Air Reserve Forces Policy and Advisory Council and is vice chairman of the Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee.

He was promoted to major general Aug. 1, 1986, with the same date of rank.