Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Dr. Robert J. Strader, Sr. attended Abilene Christian University. He graduated in 1955 with a degree in Business Administration. In 1959 he graduated from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. He received a Master’s Degree in Dentistry from Baylor University Dental School in Dallas, Texas, in 1966. Dr. Strader has served as president of the Abilene Christian University Alumni Association and was the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year for 1990. He is presently serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of Abilene Christian University.

Dr. Strader has traveled some interesting roads throughout his life. As a marginal student most interested in cheerleading to a celebrated oral surgeon, as a tank driver to a brigadier general, Dr. Strader’s list of accomplishments is virtually as endless as the miles he has traveled.

Many of his dentistry accomplishments are connected to his 40 years of service in the military. Dr. Strader’s military career began in 1950. In 1953, he left the service to complete his education. Alter re-entering the Army in 1961, Dr. Strader received his Masters Degree from Baylor University Dental School; also received was a residency in oral maxillofacial surgery from Brooke General Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Following this training, he was assigned as Chief Dental Service in the 121 Evacuation Hospital in Korea. There, he served as the only military oral surgeon in the country. He received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his service in Korea.

In 1970 he returned to civilian life to engage in the private practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. He also served in the Army Reserve in Abilene, Texas. He served as the Medical Officer in the 49^th Civil Affairs and as the Commander of the 5776^th RTU (LOG). During this period he received the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf for outstanding service and performance. He organized a clinic for free dental treatment for indigent children. In 1986, Dr. Strader received the Surgeon General’s "A" Proficiency Designator in Oral Surgery. The award is the highest award that can be made in recognition of professional accomplishment within the Army Medical Department

In 1987, Dr. Strader became the Deputy Assistant Surgeon General for Dental Services, Office of the Surgeon General. He was the only general officer in the Army Dental Corps Reserve, retiring March 31, 1991. During his tenure in that position he greatly improved dental unit readiness, mobilization, and contingency planning. He developed a relationship between the Active and Reserve dental forces and the civilian community; this resulted in increased quality of care, service and training. He proposed legislation for dependent dental care and insurance, and worked extensively with the American Dental Association on matters of mutual concern. In 1990, Dr. Strader traveled around the world representing the Surgeon General’s office. He acted as an Ambassador for the Army Dental Care System at his own expense, using a great deal of his personal time because of its importance. His dedication, loyalty, and visibility resulted in unparalleled progress in the Dental Care System. Progress was made in the areas of organization, patient care, continuing education and readiness.

From a civilian standpoint, Dr. Strader has been recognized by his peers for many of his contributions. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons and the American Dental Association. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, knighted as a member of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, and a member of the Federation Dentaire Internationale. Dr. Strader is also the past National Dental Surgeon of the Reserve Officers Association, the past president of the Heart of Texas Dental Society and the Texas Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

From the community point of view, Dr. Strader has been an active civic leader though Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis. He has been a member of the Military Affairs Committee though the Chamber of Commerce, working closely to help maintain the relationship between Dyess Air Force Base and the City of Abilene.

As an Eagle Scout, he wanted to give something back to Scouting. In 1993, Dr. Strader spearheaded a local group of Scouting volunteers to go to the Ukraine and organize a Boy Scout troop in Kiev. He has served the Chisholm Trail Council as District Chairman of White Buffalo District, Council Commissioner, and is presently serving his second term as Council President. He holds the District Award of Merit, James E. West Award, and is a Distinguished Eagle Scout. He is also a member of the Heritage Society and the 1910 Society.

Dr. Strader is known for his unselfishness, caring, dedication, and professionalism in conducting his business affairs. His expertise, tenacious attitude, and global perspective culminated in multifarious accomplishments, many times in the face of formidable obstacles. He lives by the Scout Oath, Law, and Motto. Dr. Strader is a credit to the Boy Scouts of America.

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Current as of 05/31/2003

Chisholm Trail Council Abilene Boy Scouts of America, Texas