Bill Lescher

Bill Lescher served as an engineering test pilot at the Naval Air Warfare Center, where he launched the Navy's first guided missiles from a helicopter during his time ashore. Staff duties include resource, procurement and strategy assignments for Chief of Naval Operations; Secretary of Defense; Joint Staff; Joint Staff; Secretary of Defense; and Chief of Naval Operations. He was the Joint Staff deputy director for resources and procurement, the deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for budget, and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for the integration of capabilities and resources as a flag commander. He retired from the Navy in 2011.

Lescher received high marks in all of his training, including his time at the Naval Test Pilot School. He was named the HSL Pilot of the Year by the Association of Naval Aviation, the Regional Pilot of the Year by the Naval Helicopter Association, and the Rotary Wing Test Pilot of the Year by the Naval Air Warfare Center. Aside from the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, he has received the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy "E" Ribbons, and the Theodore Ellyson Award for his service in various military units during his career.