In partnership with the Veterans Coordination Commission, we are pleased to present the August, 2006 Veteran of the Month to Paul J. Ott, Sr.

Originally from Louisville, KY, Paul Ott entered the United States Air Force in June, 1966. Paul spent his entire Air Force career in the Security and Law Enforcement field except for three years as Facility Manager at Ellsworth AFB. Paul retired from the Air Force in 1991 with the rank of Master Sergeant. Paul’s career took him and his family to many military bases in the United States and overseas. He was selected and assigned security detail for four of the former United States Presidents including, Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Regan. Paul was also assigned duties as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Security during a PACAF wide exercise.

Paul’s military decorations and awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal w/Device, AF Achievement Medal w/Device, AF Outstanding Unit Award w/Valor Device, one Silver and two Bronze OLC, AF Good Conduct Medal w/Silver and two Bronze OLC, National Defense Service Medal w/Deice, Viet Nam Service Medal w/four Bronze OLC AF Overseas Ribbon-Short, AF Overseas Ribbon-Long, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/Silver Device, AF NCO Professional Military Education Graduate w/Bronze OLC, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, AF Training Ribbon, Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross Unit Ribbon w/Device and Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal. Paul was qualified to wear the Master Security Police Qualification Badge.

After Paul’s retirement in 1991, he returned to Rapid City and worked at the old TREA Northgate Bingo from 1991 to 2002. During this time, he graduated from Western Dakota Technical Institute and since 2002; has been employed at Work Warehouse in Rapid City.

Paul is married to Sandy Quenzer and they have three children. Daughter Shannon and husband Danny Matkins live in Rapid City, Daughter Michelle and husband TSG Jeff Sodano live in Ramstein Air Base, Germany and son Paul, Jr and wife Kelly reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Paul and Sandy have eight grandchildren. Paul is a Life Member of TREA and held several offices. He is an active advocate in maintaining veteran’s rights and benefits.