Samuel Kent Whilding

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Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, Retired

Samuel K. Whilding joined The Protocol Red Book™ team in early 2012 as a contributing editor to the 35th Anniversary Edition, which is scheduled for release November, 2012. He retired from the United States Air Force in 2006 after nearly 24 years of service in the intelligence career field and several education and training assignments. His teaching experience includes assignments at Air University, Maxwell AFB, Alabama and also Air Force ROTC at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. His active duty career also included six years in various protocol assignments including Chief of Protocol at Air University, Maxwell AFB; Chief of Protocol at Air Education and Training Command, Randolph AFB, Texas; Chief of Protocol at Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; and one year as Chief of Protocol, Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado.

After retiring from the Air Force in 2006, Lt Col Whilding became the Course Director and Primary Instructor for the Air Force's Protocol Fundamental Course held at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. As the Course Director, Lt Col Whilding directed six two-week resident classes each year, and also 10-12 mobile training team versions of the class. During this period as Course Director, he was also selected to be the lead project officer for the Air Force's Blue Summit Conference, attended by over 600 general officers and Senior Executive Service civilians.

Lt Col Whilding is a graduate of Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana and has a Master's Degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He graduated from the Air Force's Officer Training School in December, 1982 as the second honor graduate of his class. His Professional Military Education includes Squadron Officer School in residence, Air Command and Staff College in residence, and Air War College by correspondence. He is married, has two children and lives in Dayton, Ohio.