Background
Lawson, Richard Laverne was born on December 19, 1929 in Fairfield, Iowa, United States. Son of Vernon C. and Wilma Aletha (Rabel) Lawson.
military officer Trade association executive
Lawson, Richard Laverne was born on December 19, 1929 in Fairfield, Iowa, United States. Son of Vernon C. and Wilma Aletha (Rabel) Lawson.
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Parsons College, 1951. Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, Parsons College, 1951. Graduate, National War College.
Master of Public Administration, George Washington University, 1964. Doctor of Philosophy (honorary), Centenary College, 1980. Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (honorary), Boston University, 1985.
Enlisted United States Army United States of America, 1946, advanced through grades to sergeant major. Transferred to United States Air Force and advanced through grades to general, 1951. Military assistant to President The White House, Washington, 1973-1975.
Director plans Headquarters United States Air Force, 1975-1977. Commander 8th Air Force, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, 1977-1978. Director Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, 1978-1980.
United States representative to military committee National Athletic Trainers' Association, Brussels, Belgium, 1980-1981. Chief of staff Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Mons, Belgium, 1981-1983. Deputy Commander in chief Headquarters United States European Command, Stuttgart, Germany, 1983-1986.
Retired United States Air Force, 1986. President National Coal Association, Washington, 1987-1995. President, Chief Executive Officer National Mining Association, since 1995.
Chairman International Committee Coal Research, Washington, since 1987, Trade Association Liaison Council, Washington, 1992-1993. Vice chairman Business Committee Atlantic Council, Washington. Chairman global climate committee United States Energy Association, since 1994.
Chairman United States Delegation, World Mining Congress, since 1996.
Member United States Energy Association (board directors), Washington Institute Foreign Affairs, World Energy Council, National Energy Foundation, World Energy Congress., World Mining Congress (United States member).
Married Joan Lee Graber, August 28, 1949. Children: Leslie D., Wendy L., Richard H., Randolph S.