Robert F. McDermott dies

[Taco]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/specials...mott_dies.html


Breaking News


August 28, 2006
UPDATED: Robert F. McDermott dies
San Antonio Express-News

Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott, a major power broker in San Antonio in the 1970s and 1980s and chairman emeritus of USAA, has died, a family friend reported to the Express-News.

McDermott had suffered a stroke earlier this month.

The retired Air Force brigadier general and chairman emeritus of USAA, the company he turned into a financial services giant, had been undergoing treatment for a stroke he suffered Aug. 17.

McDermott was stricken in his office at the University of the Incarnate Word, where he had been executive in residence and lecturer since February. He was admitted to Brooke Army Medical Center at that time.

"He truly was one of the most outstanding leaders this community has ever known. He will be missed greatly by all of us who were privileged to know him," said Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Joe Krier.

McDermott, 86, was born in Readville, Mass. and graduated in 1943 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He also received a master's degree from Harvard Business School.

He and first wife Alice, who died in 1990, had five children; married second wife, Marion, in 1994

McDermott flew 61 combat missions during World War II serving on Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's staff in Europe after the war. He received the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Service Medal and was appointed general at 39. From there he taught economics at West Point and was named first permanent dean of faculty at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

He joined USAA in 1968 where he spent the next 25 years, and began building his legacy to the community.

[Nbadan]

Sorry to here about the General.

I've always wondered, what's the big deal with all the security at USAA? Are they expecting an invasion from GEICO?

That area isn't the most robust with city parks, but USAA keeps everyone out, for all the good USAA employees do for the community, I've never thought that was very neighborly.