Flagler County Veteran of the Week: Wilfred Hessert

In 1996, Hessert was selected to be the Air National Guard assistant to commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

By David Lydon, Flagler County Veterans Services Officer
| 9:00 a.m. August 29, 2024

Major General Wilfred Hessert. Courtesy photo

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Branch of Military: U.S. Air Force
Dates of Service: 1965-2000
Rank / Occupation: Major General / Command Pilot
Hometown: Bangor, Maine

Wilfred Hessert began his military career by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1960. He served three years active duty with the Army before enlisting in the Maine Air National Guard. He received a direct commission in 1965.

Wilfred Hessert and his wife Marion moved to Palm Coast shortly after his retirement from the Air Force in 2000. Courtesy photo

He assumed command of the 101st Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in 1979 and served as deputy commander for maintenance, deputy commander for operations, vice wing commander and then wing commander, 101st Air Refueling Wing, Maine Air National Guard.

In 1996, he was selected to be the Air National Guard assistant to commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe. When he retired in 2000, he was the Reserve Forces Policy Board and military adviser to the board's chairman, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (personnel and readiness), Washington, D.C.

Hessert accumulated 5,000 hours in multiple airframes during his career, KC-135 A/E, F-101B/F, T-33, F-102, F-189 and the C-54. He is a veteran of Operations: Desert Shield / Desert Storm, having flown refueling missions in support of combat operations.

Hessert and wife Marion of 62 years invested in Palm Coast property in 1998 and moved here shortly after his retirement from the Air Force. Hessert is active in Grand Haven’s community, organizing veteran ceremonies and teaching Tai Chi among other activities.

Need help with Veterans Services?

For information about support organizations and resources available to veterans, call 386-313-4014.