Major General Ronald H. Markarian
General Markarian was born and raised in Fresno, California. He graduated from Clovis High School in 1949 and started his military career in the Army National Guard in Fresno, CA that same year. After graduating from Fresno State College in 1952, he transferred to active duty in the US Air Force in 1953 and served as a navigator/bombardier and reconnaissance airman during the Vietnam Era. He flew 116 Combat missions over Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He also spent four years as an airman on a B-52 bomber crew during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Cold War Era. He earned a Masters in Public Administration from George Washington University in 1964.
After 30 years in the Air Force, Gen Markarian retired and immediately transferred back into the Army National Guard State Reserve. He was appointed Deputy Commanding General of the State Reserve under Governor George Deukmejian. He retired as the commanding officer in 1995. Later he was appointed as the State Director for the California Selective Service System and remained as its director until his death in 2019.
During his long military career (1949-1995), General Markarian was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal, the Order of California Medal upon his retirement, among many other awards.
During and after his retirement, General Markarian was instrumental in advocating for the passage of legislation to establish the California Veteran’s Home in Central California. Additionally, General Markarian was a very active civic leader and served as the president of many military and non-military organizations locally, statewide, and nationally, including serving as 6th Region President of the Association of the United States Army, and national president of the State Guard Association of the US.
MG Markarian passed away from natural causes at the age of 88 In 2019, but before he died, he established the MG Ronald H Markarian Charitable Foundation, dedicated to helping active-duty military and retired veterans along with many other causes related to the military mission.
Ronald Markarian's awards include:
US Air Force Command Pilot Badge
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal
Air Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
Selective Service System Distinguished Service Medal
Selective Service System Exceptional Service Medal
Selective Service System Meritorious Service Medal
California Medal of Merit
Combat Readiness Medal
National Defense Service Medal with two bronze service stars
Vietnam Service Medal
Air Force Longevity Service Award
Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star
Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal
Vietnam Staff Service Medal
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Vietnam Campaign Medal