Vernon L. Peterson

Colonel Peterson was born in western Kentucky April 1932 to Ruby and Bessie Peterson. He attended Western Kentucky University and Troy University graduating with a B.S. in Political Science. He is a graduate of the Air Command College and Air War College.

Colonel Peterson entered the Air Force aviation cadet program, receiving his commission and wings May 1954. In 1957, he completed the B-47 training program from the Strategic Air Command and was assigned to the 379th Strategic Bomb Wing in Homestead, FL.

In June 1961, Colonel Peterson completed the B-52 combat training program. During this time, he married his beloved wife of 62 years, Phyllis Grace Peterson. Shortly after their marriage, Colonel Peterson was assigned to the 379th Heavy Bomb Wing in Wurtsmith. MI as a B-52 pilot. He quickly ascended through the ranks to become Chief of Operations & Training at Wurtsmith AFB. During this time, Colonel Peterson and his wife gave birth to their first son, Mark Vernon Peterson.

In August 1964, Colonel Peterson entered the Air Command and Air War College in Montgomery, AL. During this time, Colonel Peterson and his wife gave birth to their second son, Jeffery Scott Peterson.

In July 1965, Colonel Peterson was assigned to the Allied Air Force Central Europe in Fontainbleau, France as an Operations Staff Officer. In March 1967, he was transferred to Headquarters Allied Forces Central Europe in Brunssum Netherlands as a Staff Officer in the Joint Plans & Nuclear Operations Division.

In December 1968, Colonel Peterson was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam where he served with the 483rd Tactical Airlift at Cam Bay AFB as a Squadron Flight Commander. Just before leaving for duty on his assignment, Colonel Peterson and his wife gave birth to their third son Eric Michael Peterson.

In January 1970, he assumed duties as the Operations Officer for the Headquarters Aeronautical Chart & Informational Center in Washington DC ascending to Commander of the unit.

In August 1972, Colonel Peterson returned to the Air Command and Air War College in Montgomery, AL receiving his degree.

In March 1976, he was assigned as Chief, Audiovisual & Instructional Systems Division, Directorate of Operations and Readiness.

After serving 30 years in the United States Air Force, Colonel Vernon Lee Peterson retired on June 1, 1984. Among his many military decorations and honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

After his retirement, he joined forces with another Air Force officer as their Director of Operations at Dominion Well in Manassas VA until the early 1990s. After leaving Dominion Well, he spent his remaining time focusing on his faith and family.

Colonel Vernon Lee Peterson is preceded in death by his parents Ruby and Bessie Peterson.

Colonel Peterson is survived by his wife Phyllis Peterson, children and spouses, Mark and Sharon Peterson, Scott and Jennifer Peterson, Eric and Karen Peterson, his sister, Joy Downey, his grandchildren, Jordin Twenhofel, James Peterson, Josie Peterson, Dylan Peterson, and Morgan Peterson.

Funeral services will be held Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.demainefunerals.com for the Peterson family.