?»?Ronald J. (Ron) Soule was born in Randolph, Vermont, January 19, 1933. He graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1955 with a BA in Journalism and a AFROTC commission.

Ron entered USAF pilot training that fall and earned his wings at Webb AFB, Texas, in December 1956. He was assigned to the 506th Strategic Fighter Wing (later Tactical Fighter Wing), Tinker AFB, where he flew the F-84F and later the F-100D. For the next eight years, Ron flew the F-100D/F, standing Victor Alert at Landstuhl AB, Germany (458th TFS) and RAF Wethersfield (55th TFS), and serving several years as an instructor at Luke AFB, AZ (4510th Combat Crew Training Group).

Following an AFROTC instructor assignment at Miami University (Ohio), Ron was assigned to Hurlbert Field, FL, flying the A-1E/G/H/J Skyraider with the USAF Air Commandos, and was subsequently assigned to the 1st Air Commando Squadron (later Special Operations Squadron) (Hobo) at Nakhon Phanom Air Base, Thailand. In late 1968 Ron was part of the initial cadre forming a night attack squadron, the 22nd Special Operations Squadron (Zorro), which was initially dedicated to the night ground attack mission. Ron flew 191 combat missions, the majority of those at night on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Ron's next assignment was as an Emergency Actions Officer at the 18th TFW command post, Kadena AB, Okinawa. While with the 18th TFW he checked out in and briefly flew the F-105D/F with the 12th TFS.

Ron was next briefly assigned as a Logistical Plans Officer, and later the Director of Logistics with the 71st Tactical Support Gp, Bergstrom AFB, TX, and was then reassigned as Director, Logistics Program Division, Directorate of Logistics, Headquarters USAFE. Ron was instrumental in negotiating several support agreements with NATO allies for the wartime logictical support of US forces in Europe. Ron's last assignment was as Director of Airborne Battlestaff, 7th ACCS, Keesler AFB, Ms, where he retired in June 1981, with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

For the next several years, Ron continued to wear the uniform as the Director, AFJROTC, St. Paul's School, Covington, LA.

Ron's awards include: Silver Star; two Distinguished Flying Crosses; twelve Air Medals; two Meritorious Service Medals; Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm.