Lieutenant Colonel Lester Piggee:

Lt. Col. Piggee joined the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Security Police Flight (SPF) in 1974 and continued his college career while serving in the Air National Guard. He was the first African American in this position. In 1976, he graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and in 1978, he graduated from Webster University with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He later qualified to attend the Academy of Military Science Program in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he received his commission as a First Lieutenant because of his prior military education and civilian education. Upon receiving his commission on December 18, 1980, he returned to the 189th Air Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard and assumed the position of Commander of the 189th Security Police Flight. Lt. Col. Piggee was the first African American Officer in the 189th Air Wing to command an organization.

Lt. Col. Piggee served as Commander of the flight for fourteen years. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on October 15, 1997. He was instrumental in organizing the Minority Affairs Sub-Committee (MASC) within the 189th. Lt. Col. Piggee’s Awards and Decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Reserves Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Ribbon, and the Arkansas Service Ribbon.

Lt. Col. Piggee was an active participant in many community activities. He served as Superintendent of Sunday School at the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. He also served on the Jacksonville City Planning Commission. Lt. Col. Piggee was employed by the U.S. Treasury Department. He retired from the 189th Airlift Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard on December 13, 2000.