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About the Author
Bruce L. Woodyard
Commander, USN (Ret.) · Naval aviator · Intelligence analyst · Author
- 22
- Years Navy
- 20
- Years CIA
- Name
- Bruce L. Woodyard
- Rank
- Commander, USN (Ret.)
- Born
- Red Oak, Iowa
- Education
- M.A. Nat’l Security
B.S. Aviation - Home
- Papillion, NE
His Story
From Red Oak, Iowa, to a life of service.
Bruce L. Woodyard was born in Red Oak, Iowa, to working-class parents who themselves grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. After graduating from junior college, he determined to pursue his dream of flying, enrolled in the aviation technology curriculum at Central Missouri State University, and was accepted into the Navy Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate program.
Following officer training and flight school, he spent over 20 years as a helicopter pilot: hunting Soviet submarines, flying combat missions in Desert Storm, training and mentoring others, and influencing national security policy. His Navy career culminated in responding to Al Qaeda’s terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001.
After retiring from the Navy he transitioned into a second 20-year career as an intelligence analyst and manager in the CIA, where he focused on the Middle East, and on countering terrorism, arms proliferation, and narcotics trafficking. He completed his career as a senior advisor to top military commanders.
At Home
Papillion, Nebraska
He is married and has two daughters, two step-daughters, and two amazing grandchildren. He and his wife Grace enjoy traveling, entertaining friends and family, and walking their 108-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback named Stetson. He lives in Papillion, Nebraska, just a short drive away from his hometown.
The Album
From Bruce’s collection.
Short Bio · For Media & Events
Bruce L. Woodyard, Commander, US Navy (Retired), served as a helicopter pilot in Cold War operations, Desert Storm, and in multiple conflict zones over his 22-year career. After retiring from the US Navy he had a 20-year career as an intelligence analyst and manager in the US Central Intelligence Agency. His forthcoming autobiography details his life and work in the service of his country.