2019 Memorial Day Speaker Announced

Lieutenant Colonel David K. Roberts, United States Air Force (Ret.)

Colonel Roberts is a proud Hendersonian, attending Holy Name School for nine years (until its closure) and graduating from City High in 1973. He received his commission in 1977 as a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) at the University of Louisville. His education includes a Bachelor’s of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Louisville, a Master’s in Operations Research from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Operations Research from Cornell University.

Colonel Roberts served in a variety of research and analytical positions for the Air Force’s personnel and training commands, including as director of two special studies sponsored by the Air Force Chief of Staff. He served as the USAF Recruiting Commander for New York state and as the AFROTC Commander at the University of North Texas. He finished his military career in 2000 as the Director of Mission Support for the AF Inspector General at Kirtland AFB. Colonel Roberts is a Distinguished Graduate of Squadron Officers School and the USAF Academic Instructor School. His decorations include five Meritorious Service Medals.

Colonel Roberts is married to the former Carla Sue Hoepfner of Texas, who retired from the Air Force in 1995 as a Master Sergeant. They have four children.

After military retirement, Colonel and Sergeant Roberts founded and directed Aim Higher — a reading tutoring program at their local elementary school, having served 250 students in grades 1-3. Colonel Roberts also served on the board for his daughter’s high school. The Roberts have spent the last eight years full-time touring in their RV spending most of their time visiting grandchildren and wonderful places in this great nation.