Joseph Ralston, a former Air Force ROTC student, became the most senior-ranking airman ever produced by the state of Kentucky. He completed a distinguished 37-year Air Force career as Commander, US European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO. As only the second USAF officer to be named as NATO commander, General Ralston contributed to preserving the peace, security, and territorial integrity of NATO while commanding approximately 65,000 troops. He has also served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Commander of the US Air Force Air Combat Command, among other prestigious positions. He is a highly decorated command pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Cohen Group of international consultants.