Jay B. Silveria
Jay Benton Silveria (born c. 1963) is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force (USAF). He was the twentieth superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, serving from 2017 to 2020. His previous commands include deputy commander of the United States Air Forces Central Command, commander of the United States Air Force Warfare Center, and commander of 48th Fighter Wing. Rated as a command pilot, Silvera has more than 3,900 flying hours.
Lieutenant General Jay B. Silveria | |
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U.S. Air Force photo, c. 2017 | |
| Birth name | Jay Benton Silveria |
| Nickname(s) | Tonto |
| Born | c. 1963 (age 60–61) Houston, Texas |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1985–2020 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | Superintendent, USAF Academy United States Air Force Warfare Center 48th Fighter Wing 32d Air and Space Operations Center 492nd Fighter Squadron |
| Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (4) Bronze Star Medal |
| Alma mater |
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In September 2017, Silveria received national acclaim for his speech to the cadet wing at Mitchell Hall. Silveria admonished the cadet wing for an event which transpired at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School, where a preparatory school cadet candidate submitted accusations of racism. Silveria's speech quickly garnered national attention, as he scolded the Air Force Academy cadet wing and demanded the "racists... to get out." Shortly thereafter, however, the claimant at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School confessed that the event was a hoax.
He has served as Executive Director of the Washington, D.C., branch of Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service since September 24, 2020.