AIA chief of security retires, ends half-century of service

By Dominick Cardonita
HQ AIA/PA
Kelly AFB, Texas

Nearly a half-century of service to the United States came to end Sept. 10 as Robert P. Egger, Air Intelligence Agency’s chief of security, retired.

Enlisting in the Air Force in 1950, Egger served in the security police field at assignments around the world including overseas tours in Alaska, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and Spain. He retired in 1980 with the rank of chief master sergeant.

During his military career, he earned the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, four Air Force Commendation Medals, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He also earned the Meritorious Civil Service Award.

Eggers began his civil service career at Kelly in 1980, where he served as chief of security police operations, deputy chief of security and, in 1997, took over as AIA’s chief of security. In this position, he was responsible for all security issues affecting agency assets at some 100 AIA locations around the world.

During ceremonies on Security Hill, Maj. Gen. John Baker, AIA commander, presented Egger with the Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award, recognizing nearly 20 years of “outstanding, faithful service and devotion to duty.”

“His significant contributions to the success of the mission of AIA and the Air Force will not soon be forgotten,” the citation read. Mr. Egger is married and has two sons.