Robert Tralles Herres USAF General Ret.

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1954 and upon graduation he entered the U.S. Air Force.

He served in fighter-interceptors, technical intelligence, graduated from the Aerospace Research Pilot school, was selected to in the Manned Orbiting Laboratory program, was commander of the 449th Bombardment Wing, served in Southeast Asia as commander of the 310th Strategic Wing, as Commander of the A.F. Communications Command, as Commander of the 8th Air Force, on staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Aerospace Defense Command, as the first Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thus the second ranking Officer in the U.S Armed Forces.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in engineering from Rose Hulman University. In 2005, he was honored as a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

He began working for USAA in March 1990 then became Chairman and CEO of the company in 1993. He often said his proudest accomplishment at USAA was the expansion to serve enlisted members. He retired from USAA in 2002.

He served on the national board of the Boy Scouts of America, the national board of Junior Achievement, the board of Austin Presbyterian Seminary, the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, VRTX Technologies and the board of Trinity University. He was chairman of the annual campaign for the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, Masters Leadership Program, Luby's Inc. and Pinion Software Inc. General Herres was very involved in many philanthropic organizations in San Antonio. He served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Colonel Fred W. Herres.

General Herres is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley; children, Julie Latenser, Michael Herres, Jennifer Babeon; and ten grandchildren.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed a full and active life that included skiing, fly fishing and golf. His family is most proud of what he did for them and of all he did for others.

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to VITAS Hospice Care, George Dears and Jesse and Valerie Martinez for their kind and loving care.

A private interment with full military honors will be held in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers are Sunny Sneckner, David Herres, Andrew Latenser, Bobby Babeon, Will Herres, Daniel Babeon, Alexander Zappala, Jonathan Latenser, Macrae Zappala and Adam Vehe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be sent to VITAS HealthCare of Texas, L.P. at 5430 Fredericksburg Rd., Ste. 200, San Antonio, Texas 78229; to First Presbyterian Church designated for Justo Mwale Zambia Seminary, 404 N Alamo, San Antonio, Texas 78205-1985; to SAMMinistries, 910 W Commerce St., San Antonio, Texas 78207; or CTRC, P.O Box 1657, San Antonio, Texas 78296-1657.