Colonel

Colonel Russell Malesky

JROTC/PE/Health Department Chair
Senior Aerospace Science Instructor
B601

Upon graduation from John Jay High School, San Antonio, TX in 1977 Col Malesky enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing basic training at Lackland AFB, TX, his first duty assignment was with the 23^rd Tactical Fighter Wing, England AFB, LA as an A-7D Weapons Mechanic. Col Malesky was then assigned to the Texas Air National Guard, 149^th Tactical Fighter Group, Kelly Air Force Base, TX, in December, 1978.  Upon being commissioned in June, 1981, he flew as an F-4C Weapons Systems Officer through 1986 with the 182^nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Kelly AFB, TX. From 1987 through 1991 he served in various F-16 maintenance officer positions inevitably supporting Operations Desert Shield/Storm.  Col Malesky transferred to the 147^th Fighter Wing, Houston, TX, in February 1991 to develop an Air National Guard flying mission dedicated to homeland security (counterdrug) support of law enforcement and civilian agencies throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.  Col Malesky has logged over 3200 hours in tactical fighter and reconnaissance aircraft flying over 500 operational law enforcement and security support missions, where he additionally served as scheduler, training officer and commander. This was followed by serving as the commander of the Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force from 2001 to 2008 leading over 350 Army and Air National Guardsmen as well as state employees of the Texas Starbase and ChalleNGe youth academies.

Colonel Malesky holds an Associates Degree in Applied Science (Aviation Technology), a Bachelor of Arts in Military History and is a graduate of Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College in addition to many military technical schools.   His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf devices, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf devices, the Texas Sustained Superior Service and Lone Star Distinguished Service medals.  He also holds FAA flight and instrument instructor certifications as well as single and multi-engine Airline Transport Pilot ratings.

Colonel Russell Malesky retired on 1 July 2011 from the USAF and Texas Air National Guard as the Director of Staff for Headquarters, Texas Air National Guard having held this position since March 2008 at Camp Mabry, Austin, TX.  He supported all command elements of the Texas Air National Guard as then composed of 3200 personnel representing 3 flying wings and 7 separated units.

Colonel Malesky immediately followed military retirement as a USAF Junior ROTC Instructor with Western Hills High School, FWISD.