ID SCR117

Lieutenant General Erik Peterson earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Geography and Cartography from the University of Idaho in 1986 and received his Army commission as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the university's ROTC program.

Peterson held major command positions including Director of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Commander of the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, Commanding General of Army Special Operations Aviation Command, Director of Army Aviation at the Pentagon, and Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8.

Peterson served in multiple combat and contingency deployments to Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Military awards include three Distinguished Service Medals, four Legions of Merit, six Bronze Star Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, and five Air Medals with valor device, plus numerous foreign military decorations.

The Idaho Legislature declares March 31, 2024, as "Lieutenant General Erik Peterson Day" to honor his 38 years of military service and his retirement as the highest ranking United States Army officer in the history of the University of Idaho and the State of Idaho.