Arlington, VA, September 19, 1996 - Doyle E. Larson, of Burnsville, Minnesota, a decorated, retired major general in the United States Air Force, was elected National President of the 170,000-member Air Force Association during its National Convention and Aerospace Technology Exposition, held in Washington, D.C., September 16-18.

Larson joined AFA in 1976. He has served on the Executive, Resolutions, Long-Range Planning and Constitution Committees and as a National Director, National Vice President (North Central Region), Minnesota state president and president of his local chapter, General E.W. Rawlings Chapter. He also serves as a trustee of the Aerospace Education Foundation.

Larson enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. He attended the Army Language School and served as a Russian linguist in the USAF Security Service until entering flight training, receiving his wings and commission in 1953. Assigned to the Air Defense Command from 1953-1956, he flew as a radar observer in F-94C and F-89D aircraft. In 1956, he returned to the Security Service as Chief of Language Training. From 1962-1970, Larson activated and commanded three reconnaissance squadrons, flying as an Airborne Mission Supervisor in RC-121, RC-130 and RC-135 aircraft. He is credited with 71 combat support missions during the Vietnam War.

Assigned to the Pentagon in 1971, where he held key positions in the National Security Agency and Air Force Intelligence, Larson was promoted to brigadier general in 1974. He served as the Director of Intelligence of the Pacific Command until his promotion to major general in 1977, when he became Director of Intelligence of the Strategic Air Command.

In January of 1979, Larson became the Commanding General of the Security Service, where he began his career two decades earlier. In August, 1979, he activated the Electronic Security Command and became its first commander. In 1980, he activated the Joint Electronic Warfare Center and became its first director, reporting directly to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

During his career, Larson was awarded four Air Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, three Legion of Merit medals and two Distinguished Service Medals. In 1982, he was inducted into the Order of the Sword by the noncommissioned officers of the Air Force, one of only 72 Air Force officers to be so honored at that time. Larson retired from the Air Force in 1983. His national AFA awards include the Medal of Merit, an Exceptional Service Award and a Presidential Citation. Larson is a Life Member of AFA.

Larson attended Madelia High School in Madelia, MN, and Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, before the Korean War interrupted his studies. He received his BA degree at Hardin-Simmons University on Project Bootstrap, earned his MA at Auburn University and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Pikeville College in Kentucky.

He and his wife, Lois, have four children and four grandchildren. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Centurion Enterprises and is President of the D E Larssen Company.