Lester Lyles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lester L. Lyles
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General Lester Lyles
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| Born | April 20, 1946 Washington, D.C. |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1968–2003 |
| Rank |  General |
| Commands held | Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, Ballistic Missile Defense Organization |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) |
| Other work | Chairman of USAA, director, General Dynamics, DPL Inc., KBR Incorporated, Precision Castparts Corp. |
General Lester L. Lyles was a very important leader in the United States Air Force (USAF). He was a four-star general, which is the highest rank an officer can reach. He was born on April 20, 1946. General Lyles served in the Air Force for many years, from 1968 until he retired in 2003.
During his career, he held several big jobs. He was the Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, which means he was the second-in-command. He also led the Air Force Materiel Command, which is in charge of making sure the Air Force has all the equipment and technology it needs. After leaving the Air Force, he joined the boards of several large companies, like General Dynamics and KBR, Inc.. He also became the chairman of USAA, a company that helps military families.
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His Military Journey
General Lyles started his Air Force career in 1968. He joined through a special program called Air Force ROTC, which trains college students to become officers. Early in his career, he worked on important projects like the Short-Range Attack Missile. He also helped top commanders in the Air Force.
Key Roles and Leadership
In 1981, General Lyles worked on the F-16 fighter jet program. He helped manage the advanced electronic systems for these planes. Later, he became a leader in programs that launched rockets and satellites into space.
He moved up quickly, taking on more responsibility. In the early 1990s, he helped manage the Air Force's needs for new equipment and technology. He also led important centers like the Ogden Air Logistics Center in Utah and the Space and Missile Systems Center in California. These centers are vital for keeping Air Force planes and space systems working.
From 1996 to 1999, General Lyles was the director of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization. This group works on ways to protect the country from missile attacks. In 1999, he became the Vice Chief of Staff for the entire U.S. Air Force. His last big role before retiring was leading the Air Force Materiel Command, where he oversaw all the equipment and technology for the Air Force. He retired on October 1, 2003.
After the Air Force
Even after retiring, General Lyles continued to serve his country and community. He was part of a special group that advised the President on space exploration. He also helped the United States National Academies think about the future of the U.S. space program.
He joined the Defense Science Board, which gives advice to the U.S. Department of Defense on science and technology. In 2009, he was also appointed to the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. This board gives secret advice to the White House.
In 2013, General Lyles became the chairman of the board for USAA, a company that provides banking and insurance to military members and their families. He had been a member of USAA since 1968 and served on its board for many years. He finished his time as chairman in 2019. In the same year, he also became the non-executive chairman of the board for KBR, Inc., a global engineering and construction company.
Education and Learning
General Lyles believed in learning and continued his education throughout his career.
- 1968: He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Howard University in Washington, D.C.
- 1969: He received a master's degree in mechanical and nuclear engineering from New Mexico State University.
- 1980: He attended the Defense Systems Management College in Virginia.
- 1981: He studied at the Armed Forces Staff College in Virginia.
- 1985: He completed studies at the National War College in Washington, D.C.
- 1991: He took a course on national and international security at Harvard University.
Awards and Honors
General Lyles received many awards for his excellent service and leadership.
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Command Space and Missile Operations Badge |
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Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge |
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Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge |
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal |
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal |
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Defense Superior Service Medal |
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Legion of Merit with one bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Air Force Commendation Medal |
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Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster |
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Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with two oak leaf clusters |
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NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with two bronze service stars |
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Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon |
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Air Force Training Ribbon |
Other Achievements
- 1990: Named Astronautics Engineer of the Year by the National Space Club.
- 1994: Received the Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award for helping with equal opportunity in the military. This award came from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
- 1999: Received the Sociedad de Ingenieros Award and the Hiram Hadley Founder's Award of Excellence from New Mexico State University.
- 2000: Awarded the Gen. Bernard A. Schriever Award.
- 2003: Received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from New Mexico State University.
- 2012: Received the Thomas D. White Award from the United States Air Force Academy.
