Colonel Lesley D. Spraker retired from Active Duty on April 29, 2012 from the United States Air Force after almost 26 years of service.
Spraker graduated from Green River High Schoolin Wyoming in 1981, and has recently been honored as a Green River High School Hall of Fame selectee. His mother, Louise Spraker, and sister, Leanna Lovato, live in Rock Springs, Wyo. Spraker is married to the former Rosemary Whipple, originally from Mancos. His mother-in-law, Shirley Whipple, and two sisters-in-law, Shar Thomas and Cathy Yost, currently live in Mancos.
Spraker is a command pilot with over 2,900 flying hours in a variety of aircraft, including 93 combat/combat support missions during Operations Just Cause, Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Spraker earned distinction for his participation in the first strike on the first day of hostilities against Iraq following Iraqs invasion of Kuwait.
Spraker has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Colorado State University, a Masters in Aeronautical Science Technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Fla., a Masters in Military Operational Art/Science, Air University, Montgomery AFB, Ala. He also attended Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala., Air Command and Staff College, National Defense Legislative Fellowship, Washington, D.C.,and Air War College, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
Spraker received a number of decratioons during his time in the Air Force.
Spraker married his high school sweetheart, Rosemary, and they have decided to remain in Lorton, Va., where Spraker has accepted employment with High Ground Consulting. He has two sons, Jeffrey Spraker, who is currently a junior at California Institute of Technology, and Cody Spraker, who will be a freshman at George Mason University in Virginia next year.