Colonel Craig Duehring was most recently the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, where he led a four-division department that was responsible for providing overall supervision of manpower, military and civilian personnel, Reserve component affairs, and readiness support for the Department of the Air Force. Before this position, Colonel Duehring served 6 years as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. He performed the duties of acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs during and following the attacks of September 11, 2001. Colonel Duehring is a 28-year Air Force veteran, retiring in 1996. He is a decorated combat pilot, completing more than 800 missions during the Vietnam War as a forward air controller. Colonel Duehring is a graduate of Minnesota State University at Mankato and Troy State University. He is a recipient of the Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, and the Air Medal with 26 oak leaf clusters, among other awards