401 E. Roberta Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186 262.970.3700 (phone) 262.970.3720 (fax) 262.970.3716 (attendance)

Wall of Fame


Tad J Oelstrom

Class Of: 1961
Inducted In: 2001



Tad Oelstrom went on to the U.S. Air Force Academy immediately after graduation from Waukesha High School, spending the next 39 years in the Air Force. After graduating from the Academy in 1965, Oelstrom entered pilot training leading to a career flying more than 20 types of fighter aircraft. Serving in five foreign countries and participating in combat in both Southeast Asia and the Persian Gulf, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant General and commanded squadrons, wings and numbered air forces. With over 240 combat sorties, Oelstrom has been decorated with, among others, the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and sixteen Air Medals. Lieutenant General Oelstrom returned to the Academy in 1997 as its fourteenth superintendent and was recognized nationally for his leadership in character development at the university level. He retired from the Air Force in 2000. General Oelstrom is currently director of National Security Programs at the JFK School of Government, Harvard University. As a high school student, General Oelstrom lettered in football, track and volleyball. Oelstrom was honored as the Class of 1961’s outstanding athlete.


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