Richard H. Griset, Jr. is a historian, author, and webmaster of lukefieldaz.com, which highlights Luke Field's WWII history.
Until last year, he spent 16 years as a U.S. Air Force Historian, 12 of those as the 56th Fighter Wing Historian at Luke Air Force Base.
In that position, he assisted the wing commander, wrote the annual wing history and heritage pamphlets, and even deployed four times.
Previously, he was the 480th Intelligence Wing Historian at Langley Air Force Base.
LTC Griset has recently completed an extensive study of Luke AFB during WWII.
During his presentation, he will high-light how the base was cho-sen, the growth and expansion in an extremely short period of time and the unique missions given the units on the base.
Lt Col Griset graduated from the USAF Academy in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Military History and later received a Master of Arts degree in History from the University of Oklahoma.
He retired from active duty in 2006 after 28 years of service.