Robert John Chepolis

COLONEL ROBERT JOHN CHEPOLIS
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: CS-03
Years of Service: 1959 – 1983 (24 Years)
Degrees: B.S., USAF Academy; M.B.A., Harvard University

A native of Pine Brook, New Jersey, Robert "Bob" Chepolis entered the United States Air Force Academy with the Class of 1959. During his cadet years in Squadron 3, he was known for his athletic spirit, though his intercollegiate career was hampered by injuries. He notably completed Jump School during the summer of 1958.

Colonel Robert "Bob" Chepolis embodied the transition of the Air Force into the supersonic and space age. Following his commissioning in 1959, Bob completed pilot training at Bartow and Webb Air Force Bases. His early career was defined by elite instructional roles, where he shaped the next generation of Air Force aviators as an Instructor Pilot at Webb and Randolph AFB.

In 1967, Bob transitioned to tactical aviation, flying the F-4 Phantom II with the 68th Tactical Fighter Squadron at George Air Force Base. This tactical expertise was soon tested in the Vietnam War, where he served in 1968 as a Plans Officer at HQ 7th Air Force in South Vietnam. For his meritorious service and strategic planning during the conflict, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Returning stateside following his combat tour, Bob’s career evolved into the realm of advanced defense systems and acquisitions. After earning an MBA from Harvard University, he became a key figure in some of the Cold War’s most vital programs. His leadership as Chief of Ground Data Systems for the Defense Support Program (DSP) at SAMSO and his role as Chief of Program Evaluation for the B-1 Bomber System Program Office (SPO) at Wright-Patterson AFB underscored his capacity for managing complex, multi-billion-dollar defense assets.

Colonel Chepolis concluded his distinguished 24-year military career in 1983, moving into the private sector where he held executive management roles at Control Data Corp and TRW.

Chronology of Assignment
Years Position / Duty Station
1959–1960 Student, Undergraduate Pilot Training Bartow AB / Webb AFB
1960–1965 Instructor Pilot / Flight Training Webb AFB / Randolph AFB
1965–1967 AFIT Student (Harvard MBA) Cambridge, MA
1967–1968 F-4 Phantom II Pilot 68th TFS, George AFB
1968–1969 Plans Officer (Combat Tour) HQ 7th Air Force, RVN
1969–1973 Chief, Ground Data Systems (DSP) SAMSO, Los Angeles AFS
1973–1974 Chief, Stan/Eval Division 64th FTW, Reese AFB
1975–1979 Chief, Program Evaluation B-1 SPO, Wright-Patterson AFB

MILITARY AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
• Bronze Star Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal (1)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (2)