Chapter 21: Bruce Jorgensen (1988-1990): Practical Leadership

Bruce Jorgensen was born in Moorhead, Minnesota on May 23, 1942. His father, Donald B. Jorgensen, was an airline pilot and businessman. His mother, LaVon Hugelen Jorgensen, was the hub of family life as she raised Jorgensen and his sister, Brenda.

Donald Jorgensen learned to fly in the Army Air Forces during World War II, and successfully completed 104 flights over the treacherous “hump” route connecting Assam, India with Kunming, China. In 1944, Jorgensen’s division was awarded the first Presidential Unit Citation given to a non-combat force (Glines 1991; Tunner 1964).

Bruce Jorgensen admired his father’s courageous wartime service, but felt that his talents and abilities were better suited to teaching underserved children in Los Angeles. For young men during the Vietnam War era, the prospect of military service posed moral dilemmas and constant anxiety. Jorgensen was no different, but his profession alleviated some concern by providing exemption from the draft.