Richard Alan Haggren

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by J. A. "Andy" Chacon on March 13, 2011:

Richard Alan Haggren Born February 22, 1930 -- Died February 19, 2011 Richard Alan "Dick" Haggren was born in Lynbrook, New York on 22 February 1930 and was appointed to West Point from the 2nd Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Dragging and flying were Dick's greatest interests. His greatest worry was his battle with the Social Science Department, although his bent for math helped him to coach many of the goatier members of L-2. Classical music filled his idle weekends while the schooldays were beset with minor storms as he tried to get to class on time. Dick was always ready for a meal or a laundry bag fight." During his cadet days Dick belonged to the Pistol, Camera, German, Model Airplane, and Model Railroad Clubs. He was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. On graduation Dick went in the Air Force and after pilot training reported to the 37th Flight Squadron and served with it until 1955. Next Dick was assigned to the 525th Flight Squadron from 1955 to 1958. In 1960 Dick returned to school and earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Dick was then assigned to the Air Proving Ground Center, Eglin, Florida where he served until 1965. He was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service on completion of this tour. From 1965 to 1967 Dick was assigned to the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Research and Development, and on completion of his tour was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Dick's next assignment was to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing in Thailand where served from 968 to 1969. He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy, and 9 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight. On return to stateside Dick was assigned as a Systems Analyst in the Office Assistant Secretary of Defense where he served from 1969 to 1972. His next duty was as Chief of Logistics with the 354th Tactical Fighter where he served from 1972 to 1974, when he was appointed Vice Commander of the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing where he served through 1975. Dick next was appointed Commander of 35th Tactical Fighter Wing and served in that capacity until 1976. Then Dick was assigned to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Brussels, Belgium where he served until 1979. He was decorated with a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services on completion of this tour. Dick's last military assignment was as Jet Test Director with Identification, Friend, Foe, or Neutral where he served until 1981 when he retired from the United States Air Force as a Colonel. On his retirement he was decorated with the Defense Superior Service Medal for superior meritorious service on joint staffs and other joint activities of the Department of Defense. Dick then obtained a position as a Senior Staff Member and later as Manager of Tactical Simulation with BDM Corporation. He retired again in 1990. Dick and his wife Jean make their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Assembly noted in 1997 that, "Dick & Jean have been doing some full time grandparenting, but will experience a major change of pace this summer when they travel to Alaska for the 6th time in 7 years in their motor home. Dick has been doing a fine job fighting off the effects of Parkinson's. He essentially willed away those familiar tremors and is now confronting limitations on his mobility."

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