Homecoming Honoree: Col. Peter Lasch

A native of Brockport, N.Y., Lasch began taking ASU classes while an enlisted space systems operator stationed at the former Eldorado Air Force Station – and while his wife, Karyn, was a member of the Det. 847 staff. He then separated from the Air Force and joined Det. 847 as a full-time student, advancing to cadet wing commander and then Distinguished Graduate. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management in 1997, along with his commission back onto Air Force active duty as a second lieutenant.

“ASU helped in so many ways,” Lasch said. “The coursework advanced my ability to critically think, as well as my communication, written and verbal skills – all necessary for success in the military. The ROTC program provided me opportunities to lead, starting at a flight level all the way to the cadet wing level. Those positions really helped me understand the weight and responsibility of leadership.”

“There was also a real sense of community, accountability and commitment that created an environment for everyone to excel,” he added. “That translated great to the Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. What I learned in Det. 847 created the leadership foundation that I continue to build upon each day.”

“ASU was surely the village that crafted me into the person that is being recognized with this honor.”

But it wasn’t all work and no play for Lasch at ASU.

“Helping build the Homecoming bonfire is also a great memory,” he said. “It was much bigger back in the ’90s.”

Since returning to active duty, Lasch has earned his master’s degree in contract management and completed assignments in Ohio, California, Georgia, Arizona and Hawaii, as well as Korea, Germany and the Netherlands. He also deployed to Qatar, where he spearheaded contracting actions required to build an American air base, and he served as director of contracting for U.S. Air Forces Europe (USAFE) and Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA). During that time, he successfully led his teams through unprecedented world events, including the evacuation of Afghans who supported U.S. forces, a deadly earthquake in Turkey and the attack on Ukraine.

“The coursework advanced my ability to critically think, as well as my communication, written and verbal skills – all necessary for success in the military.”

Since July 2023, Lasch has served as the director of contingency contracting for the Air Force Installation Contracting Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, where he continues to train and equip contracting personnel for contingency operations, including armed conflict, peacekeeping missions and disaster relief. He is also designated the senior contracting official for U.S. Air Forces Northern (AFNORTH).

“For the last 31 years, I have dedicated my life to serving our great nation,” Lasch said. “The time was not spent seeking recognition or accolades. I just enjoy being part of something that is much bigger than me.”

That, however, has not kept the accolades from coming Lasch’s way. Among his long list of honors and awards are the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Service Medal, and NATO Medal.

For his outstanding career accomplishments and strong Ram Family ties, the Alumni Association has named Lasch its 2024 Distinguished ROTC Alumnus.

“I feel proud, humbled and grateful,” he said. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, well ASU was surely the village that crafted me into the person that is being recognized with this honor.”

“I’m truly thankful for my time at ASU, proud to be part of the ASU alumni, and delighted my son, Nolan, is an ASU student and Det. 847 cadet paving his own path in this world.”