AFTAC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION - WEST COAST CHAPTER
MEMORIALS FOR OUR RECENTLY DEPARTED MEMBER(S)

MARGE ISKE photo taken by Bob Fitzgerald 12-Nov-2011 and cropped from the Fall Social album

MARGE ISKE,   d. 29-Jan-2011 in Elk Grove, CA Per email from Dale Klug dtd 29-Jan-2012: Dale had received a call from Al Pavik "asking about Marge. He & Ann had heard Marge was hospitalized and then transferred to a full-care facility in/near Elk Grove." In a followup message from Dale dtd 31-Jan-2012, Dale reported he had "received a call today from Ann Pavik informing me that Marge had passed away." Dale said that Ann had received the news from a member of NARFE. Dale went on to report in that same message that he "talked to Marge's "Sis", Helen this afternoon. Marge passed away on Sunday afternoon, Jan 29th. There will be no service and at her request Marge is being cremated." Dale added that he doesn't know if there will be a notice in the Sacramento Bee. Dale also said that he "asked Helen if she thought it would be appropriate if we had a "Wine and War Stories" get together in Marge's honor. She thinks Marge would like that, especially the 'wine' part." Webmaster note: I will post any pertinent additional information regarding a published obit and/or the get together in Marge's honor.

ROSALIE ALLISON photo taken by Bob Fitzgerald 16-May-2009 and cropped from the annual picnic album

ROSALIE ALLISON,   b. 26-Oct-1927 in Dexter, KS.   d. 8-Aug-2010 in Sacramento A Memorial Service for Rosalie is being arranged by her children, daughter Kim Preston and son Brian Allison: Memorial Service - Saturday, October 29th, 2011 - 2pm to 6pm at the Carmichael Elks Lodge, 5631 Cypress Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608 There will be finger food provided.   Wayne Stoops will Emcee the program. For questions, please contact Kim at <kimmerallison@sbcglobal.net>, or phone (530) 589-0250. Correspondence can be mailed to: Kim Preston, 469 Silver Leaf Drive, Oroville, CA 95966-3938. Note from WCC Webmaster: Rosalie became a LIFE member of the WCC upon the death of her husband, LtCol 'Jack' Allison, who passed away 24-Jan-2009.   Jack was the President of the AFTAC Alumni Assoc. - West Coast Chapter when he passed away. He was also a vital member of most all of our past reunion committees, including the very first one held back in 1983.   See Jack's entry further below on this page for more details. … bf

WAYNE REECE MSgt USAF Ret. (Photo not avail)

WAYNE REECE, MSgt USAF Ret., d.13-Apr-2011 In an email 16 Apr 2011 from Dale Klug, Subject: Passing of MSgt (ret) Wayne Reece: "Wayne was a life member of AFTAC Alumni Association, West Coast Chapter.": From the obituary as published in The Sacramento Bee on April 16, 2011: "REECE, Wayne E., May 29, 1933 - April 13, 2011" "Wayne E. Reece, age 77, of Carlton, OR died on April 13, 2011 in McMinnville, OR. Memorial services are pending.   Arrangements by Macy and Son Funeral Directors."   Sac Bee Obit & guest book

ARNOLD J. CELICK as a Major ARNOLD J. CELICK Col USAF Ret. Photos provided by Paula Celick

ARNOLD "ARNE" J. CELICK, COL. USAF Ret.,   b. 11-May-1923, d.23-Nov-2010 From an obit written by Paula Celick, Arne's Widow, on 07 Oct 2011. Arne "Passed away peacefully in his home in Auburn, CA. next to his loving wife of 33 years. He served 32 years in the USAF, starting out as a 1st Lt. in the US Air Corp at the end of WWII. After the war he returned to Wisconsin and went to work as a pharmacist for a couple of years (then married to his first wife, Betty with their two children, John and Martha). Then the Korean War broke out and Uncle Sam recalled him to active duty, this time it was the USAF and he took full advantage of all the math and science he had acquired in college by working in the Atom Bomb Project for a number of years, then was recruited to join the 1155th at McClellan, where he spent the last 15 years of his service carrier and retired in 1974. When he married Paula in 1977, he acquired two stepchildren, Terri (Murdock) Reed and Dan Murdock. Arne loved to travel; he and Paula spent 28 of their 33 yrs together traveling the globe, having one adventure after another; visiting old friends and making new ones. He took pride in staying in touch with his old friends at the 1155th and counted many as his favorites, especially those whom he had directly been responsible for getting promoted. Arne was laid to rest on January 14th, 2011, at the Sacramento Valley Veterans Cemetery in Dixon, CA. He is sorely missed." In an email message 10/07/2011 from Peggy Rheault, widow of Charles "Ray" Rheault (d. Feb 1994) who was NCOIC of the Chem Section of MCL when Major Celick was the Chief: "Ray said, 'Major Celick was a wonderful man to work for and that he learned a lot from him.'" Info from Dale Klug in a 12/08/2010 email message: Col Arne Celick buried on Friday, 14 Jan 2011 at 1100 hours at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon. < MAP>.

JAMES E. ESPING Lt.Col. USAF Ret. photo cropped from Picnic album taken by Ken Breitwieser 19-May-2007

JAMES EUGENE ESPING d.12-Sep-2010 Born in Lindsborg, Kansas December 3, 1923. Passed peacefully at home September 12, 2010 in Sacramento, CA at the age of 86. Jim was a World War II veteran and received his pilot wings in December 1944. On November 25, 1945 he married Mary Jane Lambertson. He was recalled to active duty in 1952 during the Korean Conflict and remained on active duty until his retirement in 1973. Survived by wife Mary; son Charles; daughter Linda Brock and husband Tim; beloved grandchildren, Alison, Joshua, Erik and Stephanie and husband Nick; sisters, Lillian Nelson and Marji Sartori of Lindsborg, Kansas. Preceded in death by parents, Julius and Myrtle Esping and brother Robert Esping. He will be forever loved and missed by his family and friends. Memorial service: 11am, Sept 21, Arcade Wesleyan Church, 3532 Whitney Ave., Sacramento. < MAP> Viewing: 10:00am-12:00pm, Sept 23 at Lind Brothers, 4221 Manzanita Ave., Carmichael. < MAP> Burial: 1:30pm, Sept 23 at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon. < MAP> Memorials may be made to church or charity of your choice. As published in The Sacramento Bee on September 18, 2010   < Obituary & Guest Book> Jim was a member of a past AFTAC reunion planning committee with committee meetings held at his and Mary's home. I remember the delicious cookies Mary would make for us.   … Bob Fitzgerald, Webmaster

ORVILLE PRITCHARD photo by Bob Fitzgerald from Fall Social 15-Nov-2009

ORVILLE PRITCHARD d.24-Apr-2010 Memorial service will be Tuesday, 11-May-2010 at 10:00 am in the Chapel at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Ln., Fair Oaks, CA 95628   >>-> MAP <-<< Sacramento Bee Obituary 9-May-2010. Guest book also available. Per information relayed to us via email by Dale Klug, 25-Apr-2010: ":FYI: I was informed this morning by a mutual friend & neighbor of Orv's that he passed away yesterday, Saturday, April 24th.   Chief Moses says that Orv was on duty Thursday as a volunteer at the Retiree Activities Office at McClellan and seemed fine then.   He appeared in good health Friday evening, but Saturday he suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to the hospital by a Sacramento Fire Dept Emergency Response Team.   He was revived and talking for about twenty minutes when he had another arrest and could not be revived." 27-Apr Update fm Dale: "I was informed today while at the McClellan RAO that arrangements for Orv Pritchard are on hold pending the arrival of his son, Senior Chief Petty Officer Mark Pritchard, USCG. SCPO Pritchard's anticipated arrival in Sacramento is on Monday, 3 May." Orv was very active in our West Coast Chapter (WCC) organization, also during AFTAC Worldwide Reunion planning sessions here in Sacramento. Orv was the WCC "Director At Large" from Oct 2001 to Dec 2005, and then became the WCC "Assistant Chairman Of The Board of Directors" in Dec 2005, a post he held until his death.   His passing will leave a hole that will be hard to fill and we all will miss him.   … Bob Fitzgerald

RICHARD DAVIS Jr. photo from the obituary

RICHARD DAVIS JR. b. 27-Feb-1935, d. 21-Apr-2010 Per information sent to us by Richard's wife, Marlene, via email on 1-May: ":My beloved Husband, Richard D Davis Jr, passed away on April 21, 2010.   address is P O Box 318 , Jaffrey, NH 03452" Please see the Obituary for Richard Davis Jr. published by Cournoyer Funeral Home, Jaffery, NH where you can also sign a guest card. Quoting from portions of the published obituary: … "Dick was a lifetime member of the Air Force Sergeants Association; a lifetime member and Past Commander of VFW Post #5613 in Jaffrey, Past Commander and member of Post #11 American Legion of Jaffrey, lifetime member of Post #38 American Legion of Fitzwilliam; he was a Past District Commander of the American Legion District 1 in NH and a member of the ‘40 & 8’, the organization for leaders of the American Legion." …

JOHN ABBOTT 7/5/1937-3/3/2010 photo from obit pub in The Oregonian

Per information from Bob Miller via relay from the Florida Chapter, 15-Apr-2010: ":John Abbott was among the finest NCO's I encountered in 28 years of service, and 333 was where we first met. If you can get a notice in the Alumni News I'd be appreciative." … Bob Miller Please click on this link to " The Oregonian" for John Abbott's obituary & guest book published 6-Mar-2010.

GERALD E. PRESSLEY Photo not available

The following notice appeared in the Yuba City, APPEAL-DEMOCRAT on Saturday, 13 Feb 2010: "Gerald E. Pressley 80 of Smartsville passed away February 8, 2010. Private Services. Arrangements are under the direction of Holycross Memorial Services." In an email message on 13 Feb 2010 from John Lanigan, John says: "I talked to Gerry's daughter, Ruth Pressley Thayer who told me there would be a cremation and without any formal services.   Gerry was a long time member of 1009th SWS, 1035th USAF FAG and AFTAC. I do not know his service history but I believe his final assignment in AFTAC was in the 'Q' system."

ALLEN J. "AJ" JOHNSON Photo not available

In an email message dtd 17Jan2010 from Morgan Harper Johnson, "methodmaticians@yahoo.com", (which she sent to Tom Riley who forwarded it to us on 22Jan2010), Morgan says this about her husband, AJ: "We regret to inform you that Allen J. “AJ” Johnson died on Monday, 11 January 2010 of natural causes. He was 62, a licensed pilot, Expert class HAM radio operator, a professional photographer and a senior programmer. Specially selected and trained in nuclear physics, AJ served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 through 1971 during Viet Nam. An Honors Graduate of Centennial High School, Pueblo , Colorado , AJ worked with IBM for 22 years, JPMorgan Chase Bank for 10 and, most recently, was employed as a Middleware Specialist by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas . His family is holding a memorial with military honors in Pueblo on 23 January. He is survived by his wife, Morgan Harper Johnson, his son, Allen J. Johnson II, his brother, Ed Wheeler, and his sisters, Van Pace, Noelle Faricy, Evera Wheeler and Deidre Mihelich, together with their families. His loss is mourned by friends and colleagues and his step-daughters, Laura Edwards and Heather Hancock."

Franz "Herb" Dettmer from photo in the Sacramento Bee obit

Col. Franz "Herb" Dettmer, USAF Ret., passed away 16Nov2009 peacefully at home. Herb had a fall and broke his leg in May 2009 from which he never fully recovered. In addition to Lannie Hayes, (Herb's daughter), Esther Rogoyawa, a full time care giver, took care of Herb for the last 5 years. Lannie said that Herb also had two hospice care workers at home for the last week before his death. Herb is survived by his sister, Marion Stenberg of Bellevue, Washington; - three loving daughters and sons-in-law: Lannie and Jim Hayes of Folsom, Cathy and Wayne Zahm of Arvada, Colorado, and Connie and Martin Dourte of Albuquerque, NM; as well as four grandchildren: Stephanie Moss of Folsom, Michelle Hanson of Arvada, Colorado, Krista Dourte of Austin, Texas, and Katie Dourte of Nashville, Tenn.; and three great-grandchildren: Katelyn and Austin Hanson and James Moss. Herb was preceded in death by his loving wife Jane, his daughter and son-in-law, Krista and William Martin and grandchild Sara Jane Martin. >>>-> Sacramento Bee OBITUARY & GUEST BOOK <-<<< Services for Herb were held at: 10am, Tuesday, 24 November 2009 at Christ The King Lutheran Church, 5811 Walnut, Orangevale, CA 95662. Seen attending the services from the WCC were: Col & Mrs Al Pavik, John Miner, Peggy Rheault, Bob & Darlene Fitzgerald, Charlie Penn and Joe Johnson. I met Col Dettmer when as a SSgt I was first assigned in Apr 1964 to the 1155th TOS / MCL. I reported to TSgt John Miner in the Counting Room who reported to Col Dettmer. I had so much admiration and respect for Col Dettmer that I volunteered in Apr 1967 for a 2.5 yr assignment to Det 202 in Alaska where Col Dettmer was then the Detachment Commander. All of us thought the world of him and would have followed him anywhere. … Bob Fitzgerald I am saddened by the news of Colonel Dettmer's passing. I served under him at Det 202 along with Bob Fitzgerald from Nov67 to Mar69. Even after all these years I remember what a kind gentle person he was. To Bob and all who knew him, I extend an upraised hand to toast Col Dettmer and those magic years. … Sincerely, Gary Hamm, Westminster, CO.

Bobby Jones

Per telecon from Orville Pritchard, 08Aug2009, relaying word from Helen Jones: Bobby Jones, passed away 02Aug2009 from a 2nd heart attack while in the hospital recovering from a 1st one. Orville had thought that Bobby Jones, along with Bo Ferris & Jim Davis were the 1st three SEO's, however, Jim "Red" Davis says in an email dtd 9Aug2009:     "Bo Ferris, Bobby Jones and I WERE NOT the ORIGINAL SEO'S...we may have been among the first, however I remember names like M/Sgt Thomas Hollingsworth, Ted Simms, Richard Brown, Dick MacCulsky, John Lanigan, Charlie Heckman Van Winkler, Cook, Chandler, Moles, Moran and a few others that I simply can't remember their names were there before we got there in 1953." A memorial service for Bobby was held on Saturday, 15 Aug 2009 at 1300hrs at th Sharer-Nightingale Funeral Chapel in Sacramento. Orville Pritchard gave the eulogy. Note: To sign a guest comment card &/or read Bobby's obituary as published 11Aug09 in the Sacramento Bee <<-<< click there The prayers of all our AFTAC Alumni are with Helen.

Clifford "Bo" Ferris from Nov 2007 Fall Social   Clifford "Bo" Ferris   as a TSgt - Rcvd from Daniel Meyer, Step Son

Per message from Butch Kemna, dtd 18Jun2009, relaying word he received from Bob Dean: Clifford "Bo" Ferris, USAF Retired, passed away at 2pm, 18 June 2009. Per telecon from Bob Dean 22Jun: Funeral Services were to be held at the VA Cemetery near Igo, CA, Map to Igo, CA. on Monday, 29 June 2009 at 12:45pm. UPDATE received 25Jun: Thanks to Bo's Step Son, Daniel Meyer, Sr Chief Petty Officer, USCG Ret., we have both the obituary and the memorial available here in Adobe.pdf format: Obituary   &   Memorial. You may also view the obituary & sign the guest book as published in the Record Searchlight Newspaper in Redding, CA. The prayers of all our AFTAC Alumni are with Deannie.

RICHARD E. BURRY Photo not available

A letter recently received by the WCC from Hilda Burry, told us of the March 2009 death of her husband, Richard, who was a Life member of both the WCC & the Florida Chapters of our Alumni Association.       Our thanks to John & Chris Horsch, our Florida Chapter "Post Monitor" Editors, whom were able to find his obituary through their local "Florida Today" newspaper research ability. Richard E. Burry Richard Burry, 77, of Lee's Summit (Missouri) passed away March 17, 2009 at St. Joseph Medical Center. Private graveside services were at Lee's Summit Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lee's Summit meals on wheels or American Cancer Society . (Arr. Langsford Funeral Home, Lee's Summit) Published in Kansas City Star on 3/20/2009.

LEONARD DENNEY IN UNIFORM

SMSgt LEONARD A. DENNEY Sr., USAF Retired, of Neah Bay,WA died of a heart attack on February 24, 2009, at Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, WA.     Obituary Notice Our thanks to Bud Denney, brdenney@centurytel.net, Leonard's son, who first alerted us, then provided your webmaster with the photos, a link to the obit, and a copy of the eulogy he gave for his dad (excerpts of which are included here). Excerpts of the EULOGY by Bud Denney:   (To read all of it, please click here: EULOGY.) Leonard Alvin Denney was born in Ola, Arkansas in Yell County. For all the fans who remember him at sporting events, Yell County makes a lot of sense. Ola, Arkansas had a population of 1,227 in the 2000 census; his affinity for small towns now makes sense as well. ....... ....... In 1962 SMSgt (Senior Master Sergeant), Leonard A. Denney was nominated for "Outstanding Airman of the Year." Because of this, we have the following Biographical Report used in the submission for this award. "SMSgt Leonard A. Denney was born in Ola Arkansas, December 24, 1926. He ....... ....... In June 1959 Sgt Denney was assigned to Det 205, 1155 TOS. At this time his family returned to their home town, Neah Bay, Washington. After completing this overseas tour he was assigned to 1155 tech Ops, Sq, McClellan AFB, Calif. His family accompanied him to this station. His fourth child, a girl was born there in May of 1961. He received his promotion to Senior Master Sergeant 1 Mar 1962.

JACK ALLISON From 2008-2009 Officers Group photo by Bob Fitzgerald

LtCol JACK ALLISON, USAF Retired, WCC President, passed away on 24Jan2009 at age 84. Jack retired, with just under 26 years active service, on 01Jun1974 at McClellan AFB, CA. Here are excerpts from an article published by Dale Klug in the April 2009 issue of the "Depot Fallout": (For all the details, please read Dale's well written NL article available from our 'Fallout' page.) ALLISON, Jack G, LtCol, USAF, Retired, AFTAC Alumni West Coast Chapter President. Born in Coburg, Oregon, on November 21, 1924 and passed away on 24 Jan 2009, at age 84. ... His first tour of duty was on Tinian Island in the Pacific flying missions over Japan. While there he became aware of a special top secret project on the opposite side of the island which turned out to be the airfield from which the Enola Gay launched to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. As the war wound down, Jack's group dropped food supplies to US prisoners of war held in Japan which helped extend the lives of many of our soldiers. ... assignment was to 1035th Field Activities Group Headquarters in Washington DC in the early 60s; then on to Detachment 057, Lowry AFB Colorado. While there, Major Allison made frequent trips to Lackland AFB TX to interview and select basic trainees for Lowry's Special Electronic Equipment Technician School. Jack's next assignment was to Vietnam for a year. There he was exposed to Agent Orange, an exposure that would be ultimately fatal. After Vietnam, Jack was assigned to the 1155th Technical Operations Squadron, McClellan AFB California, where he served as Personnel Officer until he retired on 1 Jun 1974. ... article sparked his interest and lead him to Moller International to help work on a personal size "flying car". The Moller Skycar is a prototype personal VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, called a "volantor" by its inventor Dr Paul Moller ... In addition to being the 2007-2009 WCC President, Jack was chairman of our Board of Directors, 1999-2001, and a vital part of our past AFTAC worldwide reunions. He was a co-chairman for the very first AFTAC reunion held in Sacramento in Jun 1983 as well as the last one held here in May 2005. Jack was interred in the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA on March 20. Along with many family members, friends and co-workers, about 20 AFTAC alumni attended the memorial service with an Air Force color guard providing full military honors. A reception and tour of Moller International in Davis CA followed the memorial service. Editor's Note: Clark Wilberg, Dennis Ramey, Ralph Simonton & Dale Klug were among those interviewed by Jack in the 60s.

WILLARD ARMINTROUT Sacramento Bee Obituary Notice

Per message from Joe Johnson, dtd 09Mar2009, here is the death notice that was published in the Sacramento Bee in Oct 2008: LtCol WILLARD C. ARMINTROUT, USAF Retired. Born in Piketon, Ohio on June 12, 1931 and passed away peacefully at home October 1, 2008. He will be greatly missed by his family & friends. He is survived by his wife, of 55 years, Peggy; 2 sons, Will Jr. (Betty) of Folsom, CA, Jeff of Florida & daughter Kristi (Steve) of Valley Springs, CA; 6 grand children & 5 great grand children; sister Janie & 3 nieces of Ohio. Friends are welcome for visitation on Mon., October 6th from 4-7pm, and funeral services on Tues., October 7th at 11am at LIND BROTHERS MORTUARY, and burial will be at the National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Call Home Care & Hospice 6929 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 180, Citrus Heights, CA 95610, or a charity of your choice.

JIM LUCAS From May 2007 WCC Picnic Album by Dave Price

Per message from Dale Klug, "Depot Fallout" Newsletter Editor, dtd 13Feb2009: MSgt JAMES S. "JIM" LUCAS, USAF Retired. Born 7Nov1926, passed away on 24Jan2009 at age 82 in Minerva, OH. Jim had been having heart problems for some time and in late September 2008 suffered a stroke and fell while walking. His daughter, Sabra Lucas, arrived on 01Oct2008 and Jim decided to sell his home in North Highlands and move to Ohio to be with her. The home sold very quickly and on 09Nov2008 they drove back to Ohio. On 24Jan2009, Jim had a massive coronary and passed away.   Jim worked for many years at the 1155th Tech Ops Squadron, McClellan Central Laboratory (MCL) before his retirement in August 1978. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie. He was interred 02Feb2009 at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park, Fair Oaks, CA. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Sabra Lucas, 501 N. Market St., Minerva, OH 44657.   Dale also says that the family did not have an obituary published and that he obtained most of the above information during a phone call with Jim's daughter.   Add'l comment by Bob Fitzgerald, WCC Webmaster: Jim was our reunion Treasurer and a vital part of most of our reunion planning committees for past AFTAC World-Wide Reunions held here in Sacramento. Since I was the Reunion Registrar for most of those, Jim and I worked very closely together on them. Until he left the area in November 2008, Jim was also a member of the California State Old Time Fiddlers Association, for which he, Nick Pketza, who is a fellow 1155th TOS Alumni, and I enjoyed the monthly District #5 Jam Sessions at the Orangevale Grange Hall.

BILL MULLINAX Photo not available at this time

Per message from Ken Breitwieser, WCC Secretary, dtd 01Feb2009: SMSgt BILLY R. MULLINAX, USAF Retired. Born 27Jun1931. Passed away 27Jan2009. A U.S. Air Force veteran who proudly served his country for 29 years. Bill was born on June 27, 1931 in Gadsden, AL and left us on Tuesday January 27, 2009 in Sacramento, CA at age 77. Bill loved football and coached at many levels, from Pop Warner to semi-professional. Bill was also an avid golfer who enjoyed playing a round or two with his friends when his health allowed. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Jane Mullinax, and his three sons, David, Richard, and William. Bill is also survived by his three beautiful grandchildren who always made him smile, Kayla, Alex, and Tracy. The family will be holding a private service. Note: This info was repeated from his death notice published in the Sacramento Bee

VINCENT BAUMAN Photo not available at this time

[via message from FL Chapter dtd 16Feb09],       The following was received from John Bauman (Vincent's son): LtCol VINCENT A BAUMAN, USAF Retired. Passed away 28Dec2008 at the age of 91. (This is) an obituary letter to the Alumni Assn for my father, Lt Col (Ret) Vincent A. Bauman. My father was very proud of his membership in AFTAC and the Association, and I know that he would want his friends and associates to know of his passing. Thanks very much, Sincerely, John V. Bauman, Colonel USAF (Retired). ................................ It is with sad regret that I announce the passing of my father, Lt Col (Ret) Vincent A. Bauman, on 28 December 2008, at the age of 91. Dad was a very proud member of AFTAC and the Alumni Association, and spoke often of his membership and contributions to the mission of AFTAC. Vincent was drafted in early 1941 and served as an infantry office in the Army, earning two bronze stars and a purple heart for his action in Europe in WWII. After the war, he was discharged, but joined the Air National Guard in St. Louis. His unit was recalled for the Korean conflict, and he decided to stay on active duty for a full career. He proudly wore his Combat Infantry Badge on his Air Force uniform even before it was authorized for wear. If my memory is correct, he served in AFTAC from about 1956 through 1962, and those were some of his proudest moments of service in the Air Force. He took great pride in saying that one of the projects upon which he worked remains classified even today. He retired from the Air Force in 1967 after 22 years of active duty. He was buried in his uniform with full military honors. On behalf of Dad, thanks to everyone who knew him and who contributed to this critical role of AFTAC in the defense of our great Nation.

Site & content copyright © 2003 by Webmaster, AFTAC Alumni Association - West Coast Chapter