| |
A Genuine Hero, and a Genuine Hometown boy
By Sharon Roosevelt
Pioneer Staff Writer
When he's in Fort Stockton, he's Joyce and Dennis' son, and Kyle's brother, Kendall. When he's at work, he is Rear Admiral Kendall L. Card, Director Command Control Systems, NORAD-USNORTHCOM J6.
Card was in Fort Stockton recently to visit with family and friends and participate in the Par-Tee Golf Tournament hosted by the Pecos County State Bank. "George Hansard (PCSB president) and I battled it out for last place," he said of his golf skills.
Card considers himself a Fort Stockton native, having grown up here. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in December 1977. Commissioned as an ensign, he reported for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in July, 1979.
The following information was taken from Card's official biography.
"From 1979 to 1996, Rear Adm. Card served in various aviation squadrons at sea, flying from the decks of USS Forrestal, USS America, USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS Saratoga and USS Enterprise. During this period, he accumulated more than 3,900 flight hours in the SH-3H Sea King, SH-60F Seahawk, and the S-3A Viking aircraft. He made four deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Gulf; served in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Provide Comfort; and commanded the HS-15 Red Lions.
"In between assignments at sea, Rear Adm. Card attended the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School where he subsequently served as a test pilot and instructor pilot. He also earned a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from U.S. Naval War College, and worked as an Aviation Commander Detailer.
"In 1997, Rear Adm. Card attended Navy Nuclear Power School, after which he served as Executive Officer aboard USS Abraham Lincoln until December 1999. He then assumed command of USS Rainier where he served until August 2001.
"In 2002, Rear Adm. Card returned to USS Abraham Lincoln as the Commanding Officer, where he served until March 2005. During his tour, "Abe" participated in Operations Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom as part of a record setting 9.5-month deployment. "Abe" also deployed for 5 months in late 2004 and participated in Operation Unified Assistance in support of the Tsunami relief efforts in Sumatra, Indonesia.
"Rear Adm. Card has accumulated over 3,900 flight hours. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (two awards), the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service and campaign awards."
Of his position at NORAD-NORTHCOM J6, Card said, "We feel we have tremendous responsibility for the safety of the country and the surrounding environs." At this time, the center is tracking hurricanes, wild fires in the West, the effects of the flooding in the east. "If it is a threat to the United States, we monitor it," he explained.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a bi-national United States and Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America. Aerospace warning includes the monitoring of man-made objects in space, and the detection, validation, and warning of attack against North America whether by aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles, through mutual support arrangements with other commands. Aerospace control includes ensuring air sovereignty and air defense of the airspace of Canada and the United States.
That includes the terrorist threat. Card believes that the diligence of the various intelligence and defense agencies accounts for the fact that there have been no terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11. "I think people would be pleased with the dedication of the people who work with me," he said. "We are responsible for monitoring space, the seas, land, air and cyber space."
Card is surprised at his celebrity at home. George Hansard, his golf partner said, "He's the kind of man you want your son to grow up to be, and your daughter to marry." Hansard concluded, "If all the generals and admirals were men like him, the country could rest easy."
|
