Musser, Stanton (Stan) Richard

Stanton (Stan) Richard Musser, Maj. Gen. USAF(Ret) age 76 years took his final flight to be with the Lord Oct. 8, 2012 with his family by his side. He was born April 2, 1936 in Watsontown, PA. the son of Marjorie May and Harold L. Musser. He graduated from Gettysburg High School, Gettysburg College and his Masters from Central Michigan. He completed the program for senior executives in National and International Security at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. His outstanding athletic abilities in track and football won him a full scholarship to Gettysburg College where he was a member of the ROTC. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Honor for both Adams County and Gettysburg College and was named distinguished Alumni for Gettysburg College. He ultimately served 31 years in the Air Force as a fighter pilot. He flew with the Air Force Thunderbirds for 3 years, two tours in Vietnam, Vice Commandant at the A.F. Academy, Senior Military advisor to the Ambassador in Cairo, Egypt, Wing Commander of the 602 Tactical Air Central Wing, Bergstrom AFB, Texas and Wing Commander of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing flying F-15’s. After retirement from the USAF, Gen. Musser spent 10 years as the Commandant of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets where he helped begin the rebuilding of the Corps, to include changing the training system, fully integrating women into residence halls and started a leadership minor for Corp members. Upon leaving VT, he was named Professor Emeritus. He is a command pilot with more than 4,500 hours primarily in the F-100, F-4 and F-15 aircrafts. His decorations and awards include: Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the AF Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with 3 oak leaf clusters, the Distinguished flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with 10 oak leak clusters and the AF Commendation Medal. Gen. Musser’s survived by his wife of 53 years, Dawn Burg Musser, three children: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Scott L. Musser, Shari Musser Jones, Kristin Musser Asbury, and their spouses, Janeal Taylor Musser, Greg H. Jones, and Randy Asbury. He is also survived by his six handsome grandsons, Sean, Ryan, Alec, and Bret Musser, Cole and Clay Jones. His step-father Warren West, sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Tom Verica, sister Sandra Musser, Terry West, Sandy High, and Sharron Musser Lloyd. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the Blacksburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Reggie Tuck. Interment will follow in Arlington National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2012, at the McCoy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Scholarship fund, University Development (0336), Blacksburg, VA 24061 or The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org in memory of Maj. Gen. Stan Musser (USAF Ret.) Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.