Col Terrel S. Preston, USAF (Ret.)

Colonel Terrel S. Preston served on active duty in the United States Air Force for 26 years as pilot, operations analyst, staff officer and unit commander. A Distinguished Graduate of Air Force ROTC at Florida State University, Colonel Preston held a variety of positions in flying operations, scientific research, squadron command, and staff functions from base level to Major Command, Unified Command, DoD Agency and the Air Staff.

During his career, Colonel Preston earned two Top Gun awards in fighter training, served on two aircraft acquisition test teams, piloted 30 JCS-directed missions over Central America under hostile fire, commanded three squadrons (including a provisional unit in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm), enjoyed three Pentagon assignments and attended three professional military courses in residence, including the Royal College of Defence Studies in London with senior officers from 40 countries. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Navy Expert Pistol Medal.

Colonel Preston retired effective 1 July 2004 and lives in Houston, Texas, travels and participates in civil rights advocacy.