Lieutenant Colonel John "Pluck" Feather '91 -- 2011 Outstanding Alumnus

Each year the Fairmont State Alumni Association receives countless nominations for their Homecoming awards. This year we are proud to present awards to six remarkable alumni. To submit a nomination, e-mail Emily Swain, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, at emily.swain@fairmontstate.edu.

Lieutenant Colonel John "Pluck" Feather, a career Space and Missile Officer, graduated from Fairmont State University with a Bachelor of Science in Management/Marketing and West Virginia University’s Air Force ROTC program in ‘91. He then went on to earn his Master's Degree in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in ‘94. In ‘95, he completed the Air Force’s Squadron Officer School and, in ‘06, earned his second Master's Degree from the Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College in Military Arts and Science at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL.

After assignments at the Pentagon and as a Recruiting Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Feather returned to Maxwell Air Force Base, AL this summer and is presently attending the Air Force's Air War College. The school prepares Air Force senior leaders to lead in a joint, interagency, and multinational environment at the strategic level across the range of military operations; to develop cross-domain mastery of joint air, space and cyberspace power and its strategic contributions to national security; and to advance innovative thought on National Security, Department of Defense and Air Force issues.  Upon completion, he will receive his third Master’s Degree in Military Strategic Planning and Science. 

He is a combat veteran of the DESERT STORM war and has held a variety of positions at the Pentagon, Numbered Air Force, Major Command, Wing, Group and Squadron levels.  His service has included duties as Squadron Commander, Deputy Division Chief, Executive Officer, Flight Commander, Crew Commander and Squadron Section Commander.
 
Lieutenant Colonel Feather has received several major awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal with four devices, AF Commendation Medal with one device, AF Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Organizational Excellence Award, National Defense Service Medal with one device, Southwest Asia Service Medal with one device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and the Kuwait Liberation Medal Government of Kuwait.

About this story: This story was featured in the Summer 2011 edition of maroon & white. Click here to view this edition. To request a paper copy contact Beth Martin at (304) 367-4009.

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