served in various aspects of the command and control systems field at Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Electronic Systems Division of Air Force Systems Command and at the Headquarters of the United States Air Force at The Pentagon. Herres became commander of Air Force Communications Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois in June 1979. He later assumed command of SAC's 8th Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana in July 1981, and became the director for command, control and communications systems for the Joint Chiefs of Staff in October 1982. He was assigned to Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado as commander in chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Aerospace Defense Command, and commander of the Air Force Space Command in July 1984. He was promoted to full general on August 1, 1984, and became the first commander in chief of the United States Space Command upon activation of the unified command in September 1985. Herres was selected as the first Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in February 1987. Dates of rank Awards and decorations Private sector career Herres later served as chairman of USAA Group, a Fortune 200 company. He was USAA's chairman and CEO from 1993 to 2000 and continued as chairman until May 10, 2002. During Herres' tenure as chief executive officer, USAA's Internet site was launched; the SSA senior bonus was instituted to reward the loyalty of long-term members; and a formalized way for employees to capture member feedback was created so that USAA could improve its services based on what the membership was saying. Under his leadership, USAA enhanced its financial management discipline, project management discipline, and began its focus on a one company image. General Herres left the company financially stronger, more efficient, and positioned for future growth. Herres served as a member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout and Silver Buffalo awards. References External links Spacefacts biography of Robert T. Herres USAA Remembers General Herres 1932 births 2008 deaths George Washington University alumni United States Naval Academy alumni United States Air Force generals Recipients of the Legion of Merit Vice Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Chiefs of Staff American astronauts Air Force Institute of Technology alumni Neurological disease deaths in Texas Deaths from cancer in Texas Deaths from brain cancer in