From The Hill to the Heights of Command: General Thomas A. Bussiere ’85 Nominated as Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force

 “As a Norwich community, we are proud to see Gen Bussiere nominated to serve as Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force,” said LtGen John J. Broadmeadow, USMC (Ret), 25th President of Norwich University. “From his days on The Hill to his distinguished career as a pilot and senior leader, General Bussiere has lived the values that define Norwich — integrity, service, and leadership. Each time he returns to campus, he brings both inspiration and motivation towards excellence. His message during the 2024 Joint Commissioning Ceremony was especially powerful, delivering insight and encouragement that will stay with our future officers for years to come. We are honored to call him a Norwich graduate and one of our own.”

The White House has formally announced Gen Bussiere’s nomination to serve as the second highest ranking officer in the U.S. Air Force. The nomination, submitted to the U.S. Senate on July 15, now awaits confirmation by the Senate Armed Services Committee. If confirmed, Gen Bussiere’s decades of operational experience and steady leadership will help support Air Force Chief of Staff Gen David Allvin’s vision for the future of the Air Force including readiness, adaptability, and global leadership of the Air Force.

Gen Bussiere’s nomination comes as the Air Force moves forward with efforts to modernize and strengthen the Nation’s nuclear deterrence structure, from delivery systems to command and control. His command experience as Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) and Commander, Air Forces Strategic – Air, U.S. Strategic Command positions him to bring critical leadership to this mission. AFGSC provides strategic deterrence, global strike capability, and combat support to USSTRATCOM and other geographic combat commands. In that role, he oversees more than 33,700 professionals operating at two numbered air forces; 11 active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve wings; and the Joint Global Strike Operations Center. Weapons systems assigned to AFGSC include all U.S. Air Force intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICMBs) and bomber aircraft, UH-1N helicopters, E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft, and the U.S. Air Force NC3 weapons system.  

The distinguished graduate of the Air Force ROTC program at Norwich, Gen Bussiere has returned to campus multiple times to share his thoughts and experiences with students. Most recently, he returned to deliver the keynote address at Norwich’s Joint Commissioning Ceremony for the Class of 2024. Speaking to the newly commissioned officers, he reflected on the foundation Norwich gave him, the enduring values that have shaped both his life and career, and the responsibility that each officer has to those they lead. 

“Norwich University provided me a tremendous foundation which formed the values and goals that shaped me as a leader and continue to serve me today as a commander responsible for two-thirds of the Nation’s nuclear tried,” said Gen Bussiere. “I’m eternally grateful to my amazing alma mater, Norwich University, for not only providing that training and formative experience but also for connecting me with cadets and students who became life-long friends and mentors.”

The command pilot has logged more than 3,400 hours in the T-38 Talon, F-15C Eagle, B-2A Spirit, B-1B Lancer, and F-22 Raptor. During operations Southern Watch and Vigilant Warrior, he led F-15C combat missions while also leading B-2 combat missions as part of operations Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom. 

His military career has been marked by excellence. Gen Bussiere’s exemplary service is reflected in the list of his awards and decorations which include Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf clusters, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Combat Readiness Medal with silver and bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with bronze star, Kosovo Campaign Medal with bronze star, Iraq Campaign Medal with bronze star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with ‘N’ device, and the government of Kuwait presented him with the Kuwait Liberation Medal. 

General Bussiere’s nomination reflects not only personal excellence, but the enduring impact of a Norwich education. His life of service continues to inspire the next generation of citizen-soldiers and leaders of character.

Norwich Forever.