Lt Gen (Ret) John B. Cooper is Senior Vice President of Global Government and Defense at
AAR (NYSE: AIR), a leading aviation services provider to commercial airlines and governments worldwide. In this capacity Cooper runs the strategic planning, execution, and business development for AAR’s rapidly growing government and defense sectors.

General Cooper entered the Air Force in 1983 and received his commission through the ROTC program at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He is a career logistician who has commanded at the squadron, group, and wing level. General Cooper has also held a variety of key staff leadership positions, and has been the Director of Logistics for three separate major commands and for Headquarters U.S. Air Force. Prior to this assignment, the general was the Director of Logistics, Headquarters Air Combat Command. 

EDUCATION

•  Driving Government Performance, JFK School of Government, Harvard (2017)
•  Leadership at the Peak, The Center for Creative Leadership (2016)
•  Executives in Logistics & Technology, Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC (2012) 
• Senior Managers in Government, JFK School of Government, Harvard (2012)
• Enterprise Leadership, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia (2010)
•  U.S. Air Force Senior Leadership Course, Center for Creative Leadership, (2007)
• Master of Science in Strategic Studies, Air War College (1999) 
• Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB (1995) 
• Master of Arts in Business Management Webster University (1992) 
• Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB (1990) 
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, The Citadel (1983} 

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
 
Distinguished Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters 
Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster 
Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak clusters 
Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster 
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal 
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal