Ronald Markarian

Ronald Hrant Markarian (June 27, 1931 – October 12, 2019) was the California State Director of the U.S. Selective Service System and a former Major General of the United States Air Force. Ronald Markarian was active in community affairs and has served in a variety of leadership roles in military, veteran and public service organizations. He served on several State and Federal boards and has been the Director of the United States Selective Service System in California since his appointment in 1987. He was instrumental in founding the Association of the United States Army (AUSA; Chapter 6105) in 1982, and served as the first president of the chapter and later serving two additional terms totaling 15 years as president. During his last presidency, the chapter was designated Best Chapter in AUSA for seven consecutive years, from 2000 to 2006. He also served as the AUSA sixth region president and an AUSA national trustee.

Major General Markarian served in the United States military for 46 years. He flew 116 combat reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War receiving numerous awards, including two Legion of Merits and the Bronze Star. attended local schools in North Fresno and graduated from Clovis High School in 1949. Although Markarian was in the graduating class of 1953, he was able to complete his studies mid-term in 1952 and graduate early.

Commissioned in the Air Force, he left Fresno for extended active duty; to continue his formal education later at George Washington University and receive his master's degree in Public Administration in 1964. Markarian entered politics and became the Fresno County Republican Party Chairman for four years.

Recognition On November 12, 2004, the Armenian Professionals Network (APN) of the Western Diocese, under the presidency of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, hosted a dinner reception in the Kalaydjian Hall of the Western Diocese to pay tribute to the Armenian men and women who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. The dinner was attended by the Primate, several clergy of the Western Diocese, as well as several dignitaries, including Ron Markarian.

In 2009 Markarian was inducted to the Clovis Hall of Fame.

Military decorations Ronald Markarian's awards include:

Legion of Merit (two awards)Bronze Star MedalAir Medal (five awards)Meritorious Service Medal (two awards)Joint Service Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster (two awards)Air Force Commendation Medal (two awards)Air Force Outstanding Unit AwardArmy Meritorious Unit CommendationSelective Service System Distinguished Service MedalSelective Service System Exceptional Service MedalSelective Service System Meritorious Service Medal (two awards)California Medal of MeritCombat Readiness MedalNational Defense Service Medal with two bronze service stars (three awards)Vietnam Service MedalAir Force Longevity Service Award (eleven awards)Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze StarVietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (1st Class)Vietnam Staff Service Medal (1st Class)Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit CitationVietnam Campaign Medal