It caused us to re-examine everything. We, personally, had significant depth in the Word, having done Bible study for many years. But especially in the areas of God’s sovereignty and God’s love, we had to re-examine and “come to peace with the reality” that God is sovereign and that good will come out of this. It was quite difficult, but it was a true testament of our beliefs. I’m so grateful that both Mary and I had deep spiritual roots. Those roots deepened much through this time. I now had to live in a new reality.

• 1959 Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, University of Washington
• 1964 Master of Science degree in astronautics, Air Force Institute of Technology
• 1965 Squadron Officer School, by correspondence
• 1970 Ph.D. in astronautics, Purdue University
• 1982 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence
• 1984 Air War College, by correspondence

Assignment highlights

• August 1959 - joined the US Air Force and began officer preflight training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
• July 1960 to June 1962 - served as mission controller, directorate of range operations, Air Force Missile Test Center, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.
• March 1973 - separated from active duty and commissioned in the Air Force Reserve.
• Aug. 12, 1992 - Final promotion in the Air Force Reserve before retirement, to Major General
• July 1993 - mobilization assistant to the commander, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
• July 1, 1997 - Retired

Major Awards and Decorations

• Defense Service Medal
• Legion of Merit
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal

“Jerry White’s contributions to the worldwide ministry of The Navigators are deeply significant,” Libby said. “When I consider the global changes that have occurred over the past 18 years, we are blessed to have Jerry’s prayerful and thoughtful leadership. We are adapting to an ever-changing world without compromising our values or our beliefs. Jerry’s integrity and commitment to God...and his commitment to the vision of The Navigators...certainly propelled this.”