Two PSU alumni named to U.S. Army ROTC Hall of Fame
Friday, May 27, 2016 2:00 AM
News
Pittsburg, KS
Two Pittsburg State University alumni have been selected for induction into the inaugural class of the U.S. Army ROTC National Hall of Fame. Ron Watts, BS 1956, and Jim AuBuchon, BS 1963, will receive their honors on June 10 in ceremonies at Fort Knox, Ky., commemorating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of ROTC.
Watts, originally from Seneca, Mo., was commissioned into the Army in 1956. When he retired, 33 years later, Watts had achieved the rank of lieutenant general and was the commanding General of the VII Corps, U.S. Army Europe, and Seventh Army. Watts’ service included tours in Korea, Vietnam and Europe.
Watts’ many military honors include the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Parachutist Badge.
In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial education from PSU, Watts also earned a master’s degree in political science from Auburn University. Today he and his wife, Anita, live in Englewood, Fla.
AuBuchon, originally from Baxter Springs, Kan., was commissioned into the Army in 1963. Following his active duty service, which ended in 1967 and included a tour in Vietnam, AuBuchon served in the U.S. Army Reserve, achieving the rank of brigadier general.
AuBuchon’s military honors include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and Army Commendation Medal.
In addition earning a bachelor’s degree in education from PSU, AuBuchon earned a master’s degree in social science from PSU and a Ph.D. in educational administration from Kansas State University.
He joined the PSU staff as assistant director of the student union in 1967 and over the next four decades served the university in a variety of roles, retiring in 2006 as vice president for university advancement.
AuBuchon was also active in the community, serving two terms on the city commission and as mayor, twice. Today, he and his wife, Cathy, live in Leawood, Kan.
Ron Watts, left, and Jim AuBuchon will be among the inaugural class inducted into the U.S. Army National ROTC Hall of Fame on June 10, at Fort Knox, Ky.