National War College Alumni Association

Established in 1986, The Order of West Range recognizes outstanding alumni of The Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity for achievement in their careers, service to society, or service to the Fraternity. This honor is bestowed every other year to a select group of men representing government, business, entertainment, sports and many other fields.

Milstead served with distinction in progressive leadership roles within squadrons, Marine Aircraft Groups, Marine Aircraft Wings and select staff positions throughout his career. He led Marines in Somalia and Iraq accumulating over 4,000 flight hours during peacetime and combat operations including Operations Restore Hope (Somalia), Provide Comfort (Northern Iraq) and Iraqi Freedom.

In 2001, Milstead assumed command of Marine Aircraft Group 29, the War Eagles and took part in combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He assumed command of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) and redeployed to Iraq. He was promoted to brigadier general in February 2005 and became Commanding General, Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

Following this tour, Milstead served as Director, Marine Corps Public Affairs with later assignment as Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command. In 2010, he was appointed to the grade of Lieutenant General and assumed the duties Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, where he served until retiring from active duty in November 2014 culminating a career spanning 40 years of service.

Milstead graduated with a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Houston where he served Epsilon Eta chapter as vice president and sergeant at arms. He graduated with honors from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and later earned a master of science in national security strategy from the National War College.

Lieutenant General Milstead’s personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two gold stars in lieu of second and third awards with the Combat V, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 6 Strike/Flight Awards, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal.

Previous Order of West Range inductees include Lt. Gen. Richard J. Seitz (Kansas State, Alpha Omega ’39), ABC News commentator Ted Koppel (Syracuse, Alpha Chi ’58), country music star Tim McGraw (Louisiana-Monroe, Eta Omicron '86) and NFL Denver Broncos owner Patrick Bowlen (Oklahoma, Beta Omicron ’63). For a full listing of previous inductees, visit www.pikes.org/OWR.

Courtesy of The Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.