Thomas F . Hall Thomas F . Hall ( born December 27 , 1939 , in Barnsdall , Oklahoma ) was sworn in as the fourth Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs on October 9 , 2002 . A Presidential appointee confirmed by the United States Senate , he serves as the principal staff assistant to the United States Secretary of Defense on all matters involving the 1 . 2 million members of the Reserve Components of the United States Armed Forces . He is responsible for overall supervision of Reserve Component affairs of the Department of Defense . Background . Education . Secretary Hall attended Oklahoma State University for one year before entering the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis , Maryland . In 1963 , he graduated from the Academy with a bachelor ' s degree in Engineering and was named as one of the top 25 leaders in his class , having commanded both the top Battalion and Company . He was , also , awarded the Brigade Intramural Sports Trophy . In 1971 , he received a master ' s degree in Public Personnel Management from George Washington University . He graduated with highest distinction from the Naval War College ; with distinction , from the National War College ; and from the National Security Course at Harvard University . He was selected as a Fellow and served on the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group . Naval career . Secretary Hall is a retired two - star Rear Admiral having served almost 34 years of continuous active duty in the United States Navy . He is a distinguished and decorated Naval Aviator , who served a combat tour in Vietnam . He has performed in numerous high level staff , command , and NATO positions during his career . He commanded Patrol Squadron EIGHT , Naval Air Station Bermuda , and dual - hatted as Commander of Fleet Air Keflavik and the Iceland Defense Force . His final military assignment was as the Commander / Director / Chief of Naval Reserve . His military awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal , Defense Superior Service Medal , Legion of Merit , Meritorious Service Medal , Air Medal , and various other personal and unit decorations . He was awarded the Order of the Falcon , with Commander ' s Cross , by the President of Iceland in recognition of his accomplishments and service as Commander Iceland Defense Force . In 2000 , he was given the International Partnership Award for his service to the United States and Iceland . He has been inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame . In 2003 , he was given the National Service Award for Leadership by the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation . In 2004 , he was given the National Citizenship Award by the Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America . In 2005 , he was given the Admiral Jackson Award by the Reserve Officers Association . Nonprofit Service . Secretary Hall has served on the Boards of Directors of numerous nonprofit organizations that support the needs of US veterans and citizens in general . Prior to returning to government service , Secretary Hall served as the Executive Director of the Naval Reserve Association for six years . The Naval Reserve Association is a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit veterans ' organization that represents over 23 , 000 Navy Reserve officers , members , and their families .