Academy officials announce 2008 distinguished graduates Published Dec. 3, 2008 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) -- Officials from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Academy's Association of Graduates have announced the winners of the 2008 Distinguished Graduate Award. Retired Maj. Gen. Donald Shepperd, Class of 1962, and Mr. John Martinson, Class of 1970, earned this prestigious honor for their singular and distinctive contributions to society and the nation. The Distinguished Graduate Award began in 2001 and is presented by the superintendent of the Academy and the chairman of the AOG to an Academy graduate whose lifetime of achievement is of such significance as to set him or her apart from his or her contemporaries. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding performance by graduates who have demonstrated a lifetime of service to the nation, and to promote and increase awareness of graduate heritage among alumni and cadets. General Shepperd graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1962. He is a decorated pilot, flying 247 combat missions in Southeast Asia. His last active duty position was director, Air National Guard at the Pentagon, before retiring in 2000. Today, General Shepperd is an author, and is president of The Shepperd Group, a consulting firm that addresses issues related to defense, strategic planning, executive leadership and information technology. Mr. Martinson graduated from the Academy in 1970. He is a nationally renowned venture capitalist with more than 30 years of public and private investment experience. He is a former chairman of the National Venture Capital Association, founding member of the New Jersey Technology Council and the New Jersey Venture Fair, and has served on the board of directors for 40 diverse companies. He also is an active angel investor and philanthropist, providing investments and grants for private equity partnerships, and educational and charitable programs. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page