John Compere was born July 7,1941, in Abilene, Texas. He attended Texas Tech University and was active in Army ROTC (special drill commander and rodeo team captain), Scabbard & Blade National Military Honor Society, Saddle Tramps, Rodeo Club, Phi Delta Theta social fraternity, and was named a Distinguished Military Student and Graduate. He graduated in 1963 with a BA in Government. Compere held the rank of captain and served 2 years in Southeast Asia in 1969 and 1970 as an Army lawyer and USForeign Claims Commissioner for USMACTHAI/JUSMAGTHAI with frequent duty in Saigon and Long Binh. He earned the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with 2 oak leaf clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with 1 star), Overseas Service Ribbon, Parachute Badge, Expert Rifle Badge, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (with 2 oak leaf clusters), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Top Secret SecurityClearance during his military career. He served our country 26 years and retired as a Brigadier General and Vietnam Era disabled veteran. He and his wife, Dolores, have 4 children, Julianne, Bradley, David and Tracy, and 4 grandchildren, Raven, Ryder, Dylan, and Sadie. The Comperes reside and ranch in Callahan County near Baird.
