By THOMAS A. KVAMME                                                                    ALUMNUS: Colonel Jon A. Larvick, ‘81

February 14, 2008

Jon Larvick

As a child, the military always intrigued Jon Larvick, 46. “I spent many hours in junior high reading magazines about the latest in fighter planes,” he recalls. “I came close to enlisting a number of times, but pursued a bachelor’s degree instead.”

The Williston native will soon achieve the rank of Colonel in just over 20 years of service in a United States Air Force (USAF) uniform. The promotion ceremony is set for May 30.

 Larvick, a 1979 graduate of Williston High School and a 1981 graduate of the University of North Dakota-Williston, is currently a Lt. Colonel in the USAF, assigned as a Director in the Bulk Petroleum for Defense Energy Support Center in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.

 His duties, while widespread, include overseeing the bulk petroleum business unit that provides contracting, distribution, transportation and inventory management for bulk fuels, additives, specialty fuels and lube oil worldwide for the US Department of Defense.

CREDITS FATHER, VETERANS
Larvick, the son of Jordy and the late Eileen Larvick of Williston, gives credit to Williston for his early preparation and military aspirations. 

“I think my decision to join the Air Force was influenced by my father and the many veterans and veteran’s activities in and around Williston,” Larvick said. “Our family vacations were always in conjunction with something veteran-related.”

 “We attended American Legion conventions, Drum and Bugle Corps competitions/parades, etc. Then I either attended or participated in many of the patriotic remembrance events held each year.”

 As a result, a number of those veterans in Williston were the ones who wrote the letters of recommendation that got Larvick into the Air Force.

 TIME AT UND-W
After his graduation from Williston High School in 1979, Larvick earned an A.A.S. degree in Business Administration from UND-W in 1981. That led to graduating with a B.B.A. in management from UND in 1984.

 Looking back, Larvick said, “UND-W was a great option for me to continue my education after high school, as it was affordable, offered strong programs that easily transferred to UND, and allowed me to stay in Williston.”

 “I credit both Williston High School and UND-W with an educational foundation that has helped me with my career and my additional training and education. Without the foundation, the rest wouldn’t have been possible,” Larvick said.

 “I remember it as a great two years,” Larvick recalled. “The professors, due to the smaller class sizes, had time to help and provide career guidance.”

 BEGINS TO EARN WINGS
Larvick was well equipped in 1987 when he entered the Air Force to begin his rise in rank. He began with the Air Force Institute of Technology, graduating in 1992 with an M.S. in Logistics Management. Next came a stop at the Air Command and Staff College, where in 2000 he earned his Master’s of Military Operational Arts and Science degree.

 Larvick then moved on to the National War College, where in 2006 he was awarded an M.S. in National Security Strategy.

 EARNS BRONZE STAR
During service to his country, Larvick distinguished himself and was presented with a Bronze Star Citation for meritorious service as Deputy Commander, 379th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, while engaged in operations against the enemy at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, from July 27, 2006 to July 21, 2007.

 RECALLS WINTER CARNIVAL
Larvick’s time at UND-W provided numerous fond memories, he said. But one in particular stands out.

 “I was master of ceremonies for the Winter Carnival Queen Coronation and tried to do the Carnac thing from Johnny Carson, but someone had filled the envelope up with baby powder. So I tore the end of the envelope off, blew in to open it, and got covered. I have to admit that was a great practical joke.”

 FAMILY SUPPORT SYSTEM
Along with his wife Cindy (Benson), Larvick can count on the support of his father, his brother Jay (and Lori) and sister Joni (and Phil) Sternberger.

 We take this opportunity to salute Larvick for his accomplishments to date and thank the many veterans who played a role in shaping his future.