Edwin Lee Rosane

COLONEL EDWIN LEE ROSANE
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Born in Newcastle, Wyoming, Edwin "Ed" Lee Rosane began his collegiate journey at the University of Washington on a football scholarship, playing on the freshman team. When the United States Air Force Academy opened its doors, Ed transferred to join the historic premier Class of 1959. During his cadet years, he was an active dual-sport athlete in both football and baseball, assigned to Cadet Squadron 11. On June 5, 1959, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

While undergoing primary and basic flight training in Florida, Ed met Sharon Spencer, a professional water skier performing at Cypress Gardens. They married in September 1960, embarking on a 51-year marriage and raising two children—Bret and Susan.

Ed’s 26-year Air Force career spanned key operational, administrative, and strategic command assignments across North America and Southeast Asia. After earning his pilot wings in 1960, his early assignments included flying airlift missions with the 776th Troop Carrier Squadron out of Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina. He then returned to Colorado Springs from 1962 to 1966 to serve as an Aide and Executive Officer at the Air Force Academy.

Transitioning to fighter aircraft after attending Squadron Officer School, Ed trained in the F-102 Delta Dagger and served as an interceptor pilot with the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. During the Vietnam War, he deployed to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, serving as the Assistant Operations Officer with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron.

Throughout his military service, Colonel Rosane emphasized continuous education. He graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College in 1969, earned a Master of Science in Engineering Administration (specializing in Computer Science) from Southern Methodist University in 1972, and completed the Army War College in 1976. Later staff and command roles included serving in the NATO Division at USAF Headquarters in the Pentagon, Chief of Current Operations Plans for the 25th NORAD Region at McChord Air Force Base, and Deputy Commander for Mission Support with the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control (AWAC) Wing at Tinker Air Force Base.

Following his retirement from active duty in 1981 at the rank of Colonel, Ed transitioned to executive civilian leadership in San Antonio, Texas, joining USAA. He furthered his business expertise by attaining Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) professional designations. Rising through the executive ranks, he served as Executive Vice President of the Life & Health Group before becoming President of the USAA Life Insurance Company, retiring in 2000. Colleagues remembered him as a thoughtful, encouraging leader known for writing personal notes to employees across all levels.

In retirement, Ed remained deeply involved with the Air Force Academy community. He served as a volunteer interviewer for prospective Academy candidates, supported the Falcon Foundation, and routinely attended Air Force Falcons bowl games. An avid golfer and member of The Dominion Country Club Board of Directors, he enjoyed playing golf, skiing in Colorado with Academy classmates, and spending time with his seven grandsons.

Colonel Edwin L. Rosane passed away on July 14, 2015, in Irving, Texas, at the age of 78, preceded in death by his wife Sharon in 2012.

EDUCATION

• B.S., Engineering Sciences – United States Air Force Academy (1959)
• Squadron Officer School (1965)
• Armed Forces Staff College (1969)
• M.S., Engineering Administration (Computer Science) – Southern Methodist University (1972)
• Army War College (1976)

MEDALS & KEY DECORATIONS

• Bronze Star Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Air Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters / 3 Awards total)
• Joint Service Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster / 2 Awards total)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty / Role Location / Organization
1959–1960 Flight Student / Pilot Training Bartow AB, FL / Vance AFB, OK
1960–1962 Pilot 776th Troop Carrier Squadron, Pope AFB, NC
1962–1966 Aide / Executive Officer U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
1966–1967 F-102 Pilot Training 4781st CCT Squadron, Perrin AFB, TX
1967–1970 Fighter Interceptor Pilot 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, AK
1970 Student Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA
1970–1971 Assistant Operations Officer 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, Da Nang AB, South Vietnam
1971–1972 Graduate Student Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
1972–1975 Chief, Capability Sec / Command & Control Branch NATO Div, OSD / HQ USAF, Pentagon
1975–1976 Student Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA
1976–1978 Chief, Current Operations Plans 25th NORAD Region, McChord AFB, WA
1978–1981 Deputy Commander for Mission Support 552nd AWAC Wing, Tinker AFB, OK
1981–1988 Director of Administration USAA, San Antonio, TX
1988–1990 Executive Vice President, Life & Health Group USAA, San Antonio, TX
1990–2000 President USAA Life Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX