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Paul L. Babiak attended the University of Oklahoma and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education in 1955. That same year, he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry, graduating from the University of Oklahoma Army ROTC program as a Distinguished Military Graduate. Following two years of active military service, General Babiak transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve. In civilian life, General Babiak spent more than 20 years in education, working as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent of schools. He also earned additional graduate-level degrees in Educational Administration and General School Administration.
General Babiak continued to serve part-time in the Army Reserve, spending nearly 20 years in the Special Forces, most of which he spent with the 12th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His duty assignments included several staff and command positions at both the Operational Detachment and Battalion level. In 1980, General Babiak returned to active military service, attending the U.S. Army War College before serving in several senior staff positions at Forces Command and Headquarters, Department of the Army. His final assignment was as Chief of the Army Reserve Personnel Center, a position in which he served for over three years. In all, General Babiak served his country in uniform for 35 years, of which 10 were spent in active service.
General Babiak’s awards, decorations, and badges include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Ranger Tab, and the Master Parachutist Badge. In addition to service to country, he also served his community by assuming leadership roles in a variety of community and professional organizations, including the Combined Federal Campaign, the Federal Executive Board, the Community Housing Authority, the County Community Action Agency, the Lions Club, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Association of Classroom Teachers.
General Babiak passed on August 25, 2023, survived by his spouse, Jewel (Hays) Babiak, to whom he was married for over 59 years, and his children Brian, Karen, and Kelly, as well as four grandchildren.