Bruce R. Sutherland

Bruce R. Sutherland was one of Lewiston’s most esteemed and respected leaders. Born on November 8, 1946, the Lewiston native attended Lewiston-Porter Schools, excelled at sports, and enjoyed playing wide receiver for the football team and pitching for the baseball team. He also lettered in basketball.

Mr. Sutherland attended and graduated from both NCCC and SUNY Geneseo with a degree in biology before obtaining a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Southern California. After college, he joined the United States Air Force, enrolled in Officer Training School, and became a Pilot. During his 26-year Air Force career, Mr. Sutherland and his family were assigned to far-flung locations across the United States and the world, including the Philippines and Panama. He flew aircraft, including the T-37, C-130, the B-1 bomber, and the B-52 Stratofortress. While serving our Nation, Mr. Sutherland was involved in the evacuation of Saigon and Phnom Penh and flew reconnaissance for the United States military in the rescuing of S.S. Mayaguez personnel.

After Vietnam, Mr. Sutherland transferred to California, where he would train in flying B-52 bombers as part of a nuclear threat response unit with Tactical Strategic Air Command. His military service culminated in his promotion to Colonel and his appointment as Wing Commander at Dyess Air Force base in Abilene, Texas, which is part of the Global Strike Command. Mr. Sutherland served 26 years in the United States Air Force. After retiring, Mr. Sutherland would go on to become a Captain for a major airline.

Mr. Sutherland and his wife, Jackie, returned to Lewiston, NY, in 2002. He became active with several civic organizations, including the Lewiston VFW Downriver Post 7487. He was the highest-ranking veteran in Lewiston history and was a member of the committee that constructed the new Circle of Honor veterans memorial.

Just some of Mr. Sutherland’s commendations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.