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Lt Gen (Ret) Philip J. Ford
July 7, 1943 - May 28, 2021
Lieutenant General Phillip J. Ford attended Arlington State College from 1961 to 1965, where he played football and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management in 1965. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Human Development from Troy State University. He is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the National War College, and he also completed the Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at Harvard University.
Following graduation from Arlington State College, Lt. Gen. Phillip J. Ford enlisted in the Air Force in 1966 and, through Officer Training School, was commissioned in 1967. He commanded the 524th Bomb Squadron, the 384th Bomb Wing, and the 8th Air Force, and he also served as commandant of the Air Command and Staff College. His flying assignments included line, instructor, and standardization and evaluation positions in bomber and reconnaissance units. General Ford served as a command pilot with more than 4,200 flying hours. He also held key staff positions at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Military Airlift Command, and Air Mobility Command, culminating in his final active-duty position as Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where he was responsible for all U.S. Air Force and Navy strategic nuclear forces supporting national security objectives. Lt. Gen. Ford was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, an Aerial Achievement Medal, a Defense Superior Service Medal, a Joint Service Commendation medal, and a Distinguished Service Medal. In recognition of his distinguished military service, Lt. Gen. Ford was recognized as a UTA Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient in 1998.
Following his retirement from active duty in July 2000, General Ford joined the Brazos River Authority (BRA) in 2001. He became the seventh General Manager of the BRA since its establishment by the Texas Legislature in 1929. As General Manager, he oversaw more than 275 employees in multiple locations throughout the Brazos River basin, while managing the system’s water supply, water treatment projects, and water quality initiatives under the direction of the 21-member board of directors. Under General Ford’s leadership, the BRA completed numerous projects, including construction of a water transportation pipeline to meet the water supply needs of the state capital’s northern suburbs. He directed the expansion of a regional potable water system in Williamson County. Most importantly, he oversaw the addition of a groundbreaking new System Operation Permit, the first for the State of Texas, to allow existing water permits to be used more efficiently while accessing previously untapped return flows into the Brazos River. This process made existing water supply available without the need to build a reservoir. Lt. Gen. Ford retired from the BRA in March of 2018 after 17 years of service.
Lt. Gen. Ford’s dedication, distinguished leadership, and performance reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and our nation. His service, followed by his distinguished career with the Brazos River Authority, also reflect great credit on the state of Texas and The University of Texas at Arlington.
Lt. Gen. Ford and his wife Kristen made their home in McGregor, Texas.
Lt. Gen. Ford passed away 28 May 2021
Link to his Obituary