'67 grad earns Academy's 2012 Distinguished Service Award

  • Published
  • By Steve Simon
  • Development and Alumni Programs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Edward E. Legasey, a 1967 graduate of the Air Force Academy, has been awarded the Academy's 2012 Distinguished Service Award. The award recognizes his outstanding service and unfailing support to the Academy.

Lt. Gen.Mike Gould, the Academy superintendent, will present the award during the Parents' Weekend Parade on Aug. 31

The Academy established the Distinguished Service Award in February 1999. Each year the award is presented to an individual or organization whose contributions have had a distinct impact on the morale or well-being of the Academy. The award recognizes those who contribute to the betterment of the Academy through their generosity and dedication to the institution.

Legasey's personal commitment to excellence at the Air Force Academy has spanned four decades and continues to be felt throughout the Academy and the graduate community.

"The selection is a true testament to your exemplary support throughout the years," Gould wrote in his June 2012 congratulatory letter to Legasey announcing the selection.
Legasey expressed his gratitude to the Academy for his selection.

"I consider it a genuine privilege and pleasure to be able to provide service to the United States Air Force Academy," he said. "The Academy played a pivotal role in my professional development, and I hope my service will help ensure future generations of cadets will have the best possible experience as they walk the path to becoming leaders of character. To be honored with this award, when there are so many who do so much for our beloved Academy, is truly humbling. Thank you."

Legasey excelled from his cadet days forward. He served as a cadet group commander and co-captain of the hockey team, and was a regular on the Superintendent's List.

Upon graduation as a distinguished graduate, he earned a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the University of Pennsylvania. He served on active duty for nine years, during which time he worked as an operations research analyst on large, complex management information systems and directed software test and evaluation for the B-1 Lancer bomber.

Following active duty, Legasey worked as a civilian employee for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for two years, and then left government service to join with a partner to found SRA International, a global information technology and professional services firm. He spent the next 26 years building the company into a major player in the information technology industry.

Legasey has spoken at several National Character and Leadership Symposiums on business ethics. His company hired hundreds of Academy graduates, launching many to successful careers. He is a founding member of the AFA Society of Washington, D.C., an organization of graduates dedicated to business networking.

He served on the Association of Graduates Board for six years, with four years as the chairman. He and his wife, Patricia, established an endowment for character and leadership with the AOG. William Thompson, the AOG President and CEO, summarized the impact Legasey has had on the AOG and the Academy.

"Ted has not only been a steadfast supporter and generous donor but as Chairman of the Association of Graduates Board of Directors, he led the first Capital Campaign which raised more than $60 million for the Academy. He has and continues to be a strong supporter of the AOG and the graduate community."

Among his many contributions, he and Patricia made the lead gift for the construction of the Memorial Pavilion at the Academy Cemetery.

Legasey is also a Founding Director for the USAFA Endowment. Retired Gen. Stephen Lorenz, USAFA Endowment president and chief executive officer, expressed his appreciation for Mr. Legasey's contributions.

"Ted, who is a member of the USAFA Endowment Board, has made such a positive difference here at the Academy. His support of cadet programs and of the graduate community as a whole is truly selfless."