U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- A former volunteer faculty member and Air Force Academy graduate is slated to receive the school’s Distinguished Service Award, 9 a.m., Feb. 5 in Arnold Hall.
Carl Janssen, a 1968 graduate of the Academy, is scheduled receive the award from Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria.
“This award is given to an individual or group that has contributed significantly and directly to the morale or well being of the Air Force Academy,” Silveria said in a in a letter to Janssen in December.
Janssen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering management and economics and later earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of California-at Los Angeles. He spent nine years as a pilot, flying the Fairchild C-123 Provider, a transport aircraft, during the Vietnam War and as a T-38 Talon twin jet aircraft instructor pilot.
He left active-duty service after nine years but kept his reserve commission and became a liaison officer at his alma mater.
Janssen also worked in the private sector and retired as a lieutenant colonel.
After returning to Colorado Springs in 2000, Janssen taught on a voluntary basis for 12 academic semester at the Department of Management and was a character coach for the Center for Character and Leadership Development.
According to award regulations, any individual or group who has contributed significantly and directly to the Academy through their generous donation of time, resources or influence is eligible.
The Academy established the award in February 1999.