Roger Guy Conant

LT. COLONEL ROGER GUY CONANT
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: 11

Roger Guy Conant was born on September 4, 1937, in Skowhegan, Maine, the eldest child of Thornton and Ruth Conant. At Skowhegan High School, Roger established the blueprint for his future career: he was a scholar (graduating third in his class), a standout football player, and President of the Student Body.

His leadership was forged early by tragedy. When his father passed away while Roger was only 20, he stepped up to support his mother and younger siblings. His journey to the "Blue Zoo" was sponsored by a legendary family friend, Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith. The senator appointed him to the historic first class of the United States Air Force Academy. As a member of the "First Class," Roger helped establish the traditions and rigor that would define the institution for decades to come.

A CAREER OF WINGS AND MISSILES
After graduating in 1959, Roger embarked on a diverse 24-year military career that spanned the evolution of Cold War technology. He initially trained as a pilot and navigator, serving in the 9th Bomb Wing at Mountain Home AFB, where he flew the B-47 Stratojet during the height of strategic tension.

Transitioning from the cockpit to the silo, he served as a Missile Crew Commander with the 490th Strategic Missile Squadron at Malmstrom AFB from 1966 to 1969. However, the call of tactical aviation returned during the Vietnam War. Roger served two years in Southeast Asia, flying C-130 Hercules transports with the 374th Tactical Airlift Wing and the 774th Tactical Airlift Squadron at Clark Air Base, Philippines. His bravery and precision in the theater earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medals.

His later career took him across the globe, from serving as a Supply Officer at Malmstrom to a leadership role as Deputy Commander for Resources at Incirlik Air Base (TUSLOG), Turkey. His logistical acumen proved vital in managing the sprawling operations of a critical NATO hub. He concluded his service as an instructor for the Base Commander Management Course, passing his years of operational wisdom to the next generation of Air Force leaders. He retired in 1979 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

SERVICE BEYOND THE UNIFORM
Transitioning to civilian life in 1980, Roger moved his family to Spokane, Washington, where he applied his military expertise to a 15-year career as a safety engineer for Aetna Insurance Company.

In retirement, Roger found his true "North" in the Priest Lake area of Idaho. Ever the Maine native at heart, he designed and built a home overlooking the meadows and mountains. He became a pillar of the Priest Lake community, serving for 20 years in various leadership roles, including:

• President of the Priest Lake Trails and Snowmobile Club.
• Member of the Kaniksu Lions Club and Groomer’s Committee.
• Volunteer for the USFS citizen study committees.

Roger passed away on July 30, 2014, leaving behind a legacy defined by his favorite saying regarding the mountains he loved: "Always the same, always changing." He was a man who lived by a simple code of patriotism, integrity, and honor—never seeking the limelight, but always providing the stability and leadership needed. He is remembered by his classmates and family as a man of quiet integrity who lived a life of profound stewardship for his country and his community.

SERVICE CHRONOLOGY
Year Duty Location
1959–1960 Pilot & Navigator Training Mather AFB, CA
1961–1966 Navigator, 9th Bomb Wing Mt. Home AFB, ID
1966–1969 Missile Crew Commander, 490th SMS Malmstrom AFB, MT
1970–1971 Nuclear Safety Officer, 374th TAW Naha AB, Okinawa
1971–1972 Navigator, 774th TAS Clark AB, Philippines
1972–1974 Supply Officer, 341st SMW Malmstrom AFB, MT
1974–1976 Navigator C-130, 41st TAS Pope AFB, NC
1976–1977 Deputy Commander Resources, TUSLOG Incirlik AB, Turkey
1977–1979 Instructor, Base Commander Mgt Course Various

AWARDS:
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Air Medal (5)
• AF Commendation Medal