Meet the Panelist: Lt.Col. Henry Detering

Hank Detering is a retired United States Marine. He enlisted after two years at Springfield College, attended flight school as an Aviation Cadet, and was commissioned upon graduation. During his 20 years of service he flew both attack jets and helicopter aircraft. He was an instructor at the Officers’ Basic School in Quantico, VA, and served in numerous command billets with both aviation and infantry units in the United States, the Mediterranean, and the Far East. As a young officer in Viet Nam, Hank flew 100 missions in the A-4 Skyhawk and 150 missions in the A-6 Intruder. He also served with an infantry battalion as their forward air controller. In the mid-80’s Hank commanded a heavy helicopter squadron that supported both the invasion of Grenada and the evacuation of Marines from Beirut. A Distinguished Graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College, Lt. Col. Detering’s personal decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart. In 1985 Hank returned to civilian life in Pennsylvania, taught science, and became a high school principal. During his tenure, Octorara Area High School received the National Guidance Counselors Association’s Career Guidance Award.