Background
Sparks, Bennett Sher was born on October 10, 1925 in Pittsburgh. Son of Julius and Anna K. Sparks.
Sparks, Bennett Sher was born on October 10, 1925 in Pittsburgh. Son of Julius and Anna K. Sparks.
Diploma, Naval War College, 1973. Diploma, Armed Forces Staff College, 1978. Diploma, National War College, 1978.
Diploma, The Army War College, 1985. Diploma, The National Defense University, 1980. Diploma, The Industrial College Armed Forces.
Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy (honorary), Sampson University, Oxford, England, 1986.
Enlisted United States Coast Guard, 1942, commissioned ensign, 1955, advanced through grades to rear admiral, 1985, district inspector 11th Coast Guard District, senior research officer Pacific Area San Francisco, senior research officer Atlantic Area New York City, Commander Navy's Northern California Maritime Defense Zone San Francisco, Commander Navy's Maritime Defense Zone Sector 6 Charleston, South Carolina, retired, 1996. Aviator Coast and Geodetic Survey, Alabama. Chief United States Delaware to confederation Reserve Officers (CIOR), North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters, Belgium, 1985-1986.
International secretary-general Inter-Allied confederation Reserve Officers, Brussels, 1992-1994.
Member California Veterans Board, from 1995, chairman, 1998—1999. Board directors Sonoma County Area Agency of Aging, from 2002, member legislation committee, from 2002. Board directors North Bay chapter Alzheimer's Association Northern California and Nevada, from 2002.
Board directors Bank of Hollywood. Member DAV, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Sonoma County United Veterans Council, Navy League, Naval Reserve Association, Reserve Officers Association United States (national president 1982-1983, national deputy executive director, director administration and director finance 1988-1991, chairman board trustees, board directors), Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Assn, Coast Guard Combat Vets Association.
Married Elizabeth Sparks, May 8, 1943 (deceased November 2005). Children: Bennett Sher Junior, James Robert, Richard T.(deceased), John N., Julieann, Donna Beth(deceased).