General Curtis E. LeMay

born in Columbus, Ohio
CINC SAC 19 Oct 1948 - 30 Jun 1957

burial: United States Air Force Academy Cemetery (click here)
Colorado Springs, Colorado


Founder of The SAC Elite Guard
 

Donald R. Zeilermeir

SAC Elite Guard circa 1966 - 1968

SAC Elite Guard 1959 - 1962

24 Apr 1939 - 18 May 1995





SAC Elite Guard circa 1963

Rodrick D. Cleveland

died in Bentonville, AR




SAC Elite Guard 1963 - 1967
 

SAC Elite Guard 1958 - 1964
 

Capt Donald C. Luckhardt

SAC Elite Guard circa 1963 - 1965
 

TSgt Michael David Gibbons

SAC Elite Guard circa 1963

Bennie C. Davis

burial:  Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS


SAC Elite Guard 1982 - 1987
 

Major George "Fred" Winters

burial:  at Omaha, NB




SAC Elite Guard circa 1962 - 1967

Veteran: Vietnam

burial:  Porterville Public Cemetery
Porterville, CA

SAC Elite Guard circa 1964 -1965

SSgt James M. Wright
4 Dec 1937 - 29 Aug 1994



SAC Elite Guard 1968 - 1970
 

TSgt Thomas G. Lewis

SAC Elite Guard circa 1962 - 1963

8 Feb 1946 - 21 Feb 1999



SAC Elite Guard 1968 - 1969

last known address Grosselle, MI

SAC Elite Guard circa 1963 - 1964
 

last known address Houston, TX

SAC Elite Guard 1958 - 1961

Sep 1940 - Sep 1972



SAC Elite Guard 1961 - 1963
 

Tucson, AZ



SAC Elite Guard circa 1965 - 1978
 

Jack served two tours on the SAC Elite Guard (1973-1974) (1977-1985) During these tours he held increasing levels of responsibilities including Superintendent of the guard prior to his retirement in 1985.

SAC Elite Guard circa 73-85
 

burial:  Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX


SAC Elite Guard circa 1962

20 Jan 1934 - 16 Jan 2001

York Pennsylvania




SAC Elite Guard circa 1959 - 1961
 

TSgt Harry Hungerman, Jr.

Veteran: Korea

burial: Dorchester Memory Gardens Summerville, SC


SAC Elite Guard circa 1961 -1964

SAC Elite Guard 1956 - 1959

on active duty at Travis AFB
burial:  Pittsburgh, PA


SAC Elite Guard circa 1963 - 1966
 

SAC Elite Guard circa 1992 - 1993
 

SAC Elite Guard 1964 - Jul 1966
 

SAC Elite Guard circa - 1957 -1958
 

SAC Elite Guard 1970 - 1973

veteran: Vietnam

burial:  First Baptist Cemetery, Eutaw, AL



SAC Elite Guard l960 - 1966
 

SAC Elite Guard circa 1964 - 1965

TSgt Ronald L. Edmundson
2 Dec 1936 - 10 Sep 2004

Service Dates: 31 Jan 1955 - 31 Jan 1975
burial:  Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN




SAC Elite Guard circa 1963 - 1966
 

John Degan
Unknown - 26 Apr 1989






SAC Elite Guard 1957 - 1960

Russell G. Swinford

22 Nov 1953 - 9 Mar 2003

ROGERS (MO)— Russell Glenn Swinford Jr., 49, of Rogers died March 9, 2003, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rogers. He was born Nov. 22, 1953, in Hazlette, Mich., to Russell Glenn Swinford Sr. and Frances Odell Swinford. He moved to the area five years ago from Utah. He was a trainer at Wal-Mart and retired from the Air Force after 20 years. He enjoyed golf.

Survivors include his wife, Louise J. Swinford, whom he married Aug. 27, 1993; his mother of Hazlette; two daughters, Angie Gumper of Jackson, Mich., and Heather Bailey of Hazlette; two brothers, Brian
Swinford of Leslie, Mich., and Danny Swinford of Hazlette; one sister, Marie Swinford of Hazlette; two grandchildren.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers with the Rev. Clyde Brummett officiating. Military honors
will be conducted by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard of Jacksonville. Cremation will follow.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Kent, Marlin Henderson, Jarod Henderson, J.H. Gray and Josh Billis.

SAC Elite Guard 1977
 

James C. Andrick

17 Mar 1957 - 13 Jun 2002

Durango, CO








SAC Elite Guard 1977

Gregory I. Bateman

 2 Apr 1957 - 20 Aug 2004

USAF: 7/2/76 - 12/21/79

burial:  Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN






SAC Elite Guard circa 1977

Michael C. Craven
1939 - 1996






SAC Elite Guard 1959 - 1961
 

Dennis E. Monforton
2 Feb 46 - 5 Mar 2001

Dotham, Alabama

Burial: Sunset Memorial Park
Midland City, AL

SAC Elite Guard 1967 - 1968

Charles Hilsabeck
4 Jan 1932 - Aug 1984

Cherokee, Iowa




SAC Elite Guard 1956 - 1960

Wilbur J. "Bill" Hofer, Jr.

1945 - 16 Mar 2005

Bellevue, Nebraska

(Omaha World Herald Mar 20, 2005)
HOFER, Wilbur J., Jr. "Bill", age 60. Survived by wife, Becky; daughter, Jeri and husband Jerry Fleming, Omaha; stepdaughters, Amanda and husband Dennis Munsie, Woburn, MA, Virginia and husband Bobby Vann, Charleston, SC; 6 grandchildren; 3 sisters. AFFILIATIONS: FOE 3912 and Air Force Elite Guard
Memorial service was held on Friday, March 18, 11am at Bellevue Memorial Chapel.

SAC Elite Guard 1963-1965

David W. Scott, Jr.
14 Jan 1936 - 18 Jul 2005

Sacramento California


Memorial service at Punchbowl Crater,
The National Cemetery of The Pacific (Click Here)
Honolulu, Hawaii


SAC Elite Guard 1962 - 1967
 

Lawrence R. Hanes
3 February 1932 - 6 August 2001


burial:  Fort Worth, Texas






SAC Elite Guard 1956 - 1958
 

Drew H. Bilyeu
9 Aug 1946 - 6 Aug 1989

Lynnwood, WA





 

SAC Elite Guard circa 1965 - 1967

SSgt Onis Kendall Bailey
31 July 1935 - 9 Jan 2000

Veteran: Korea

burial: Hillcrest Westlawn Memorial Park
Omaha, NE



SAC Elite Guard circa 1960's & 1973 - 1975
 

Detachment "A"
SAC Elite Guard circa 1955 - 1957

Luther A. Meilahn
18 Sep 1933 - 7 Feb 2006

MEILAHN-Luther A., age 72. Original member of the SAC Elite Guard, Former Bellevue Police Sergeant, Former Chief Deputy Sheriff of Sarpy County. Retired from St. Joseph Hospital Director of Security. Preceded in death by Parents, Arthur and Leona Meilahn. Survived by Wife, Carole Meilahn; Daughter Phyllis and husband Steve Moore; Grandsons Trevor and Tanner; Nieces, Nephews and Many Many Friends.

Memorials Suggested to the Disabled American Veterans. Military Honors by Millard American Legion 374 and VFW 8334. Funeral Service Friday 11:00am at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church

To view the newspaper article "He flew with the eagles" click here.

To view images of the Memorial Service click here.

SAC Elite Guard 1956 - 1960
 

Dwight J. Clark
9 Aug 1945 - 4 Apr 1985






 

SAC Elite Guard circa 1965-1967

Connelly M. Lewis
18 Jul 1940 - 17 Apr 2006

Orlando, Florida


To view images of the Memorial Service (Click Here).





SAC Elite Guard 1966 - 1968
 

Alfred J. Smith
1943 - May 14, 2006

ALBANY    Alfred J. Smith, 63, died suddenly, May 14, 2006 at his home. Born in Albany, he attended CBA and was the son of the late Alfred J. and Evelyn (Stewart) Smith Sr. Al was employed by Niagara Mohawk for 31 years, retiring in 1999 as a line supervisor and was a member of the 25 year club. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a communicant of Historic St. Mary's Church. Al was a member of the American Legion Post 1040 and an auxiliary member of VFW Post 3185, both in Delmar. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda S. (Carson) Smith; son, Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Smith of Twentynine Palms, Calif.; granddaughter, Socorra Smith of Casa Grande, Ariz.; nephew, George (Elana) Spence of Delmar and niece, Linda (Dr. Matthew) Trainor of Worcester, Mass. He was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Spence. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 8:45 a.m. from the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave. thence to Historic St. Mary's Church on Capitol Hill where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Burial will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery on Friday, May 19, 2006 at 2 p.m. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Historic St. Mary's Church, 10 Lodge St., Albany, NY 12207.






SAC Elite Guard 1967 - 1969

Herbert Louis Meyer
 16 Mar 1920 - 20 Sep 2004

Major Meyer was the Base Deputy Commander for Security and Law Enforcement at Offutt in the late '50s when the SAC Elite Guard was formed.

Herbert Louis Meyer, retired Air Force major, died Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, at NHC HealthCare of Oak Ridge. Born March 16, 1920, in Orange, Calif., he was the son of Louis Meyer and May Budke Meyer, and the fifth of seven children. Mr. Meyer joined the National Guard while a junior in high school and went on to serve his country as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and later as deputy base commander for Offutt Air Force Base, where he served his last tour of duty. According to his family, he was known as someone who always gave his best, on and off the job. Flying was his great love, but he also enjoyed golfing, walking and working crossword puzzles. He lived most of his adult life in Plattsmouth, Neb., where he was a member of the Plattsmouth Country Club, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign War. He was also the former commander of the Plattsmouth chapter of the American Legion. Mr. Meyer is survived by his wife of 60 years, Florene Meyer, to whom he was devoted, his family said; his daughter, Lucky Vogt and husband, David, of Oak Ridge; his son, Dr. John Meyer, of Salem, Ore.; three grandchildren, Kevin Vogt and wife, Megumi, Adam Vogt and Joanna Bikman; a great-grandson, Robert Masahide Vogt, of Anchorage, Alaska; a brother, Walter Meyer, and two sisters, Helen Unzelman and Pauline Miller, all of California. Roby Funeral Home in Plattsmouth, Neb., is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale, Kan.

 Maj Meyer was discharged from the national guard and enlisted as a private in the Army Air Corps in Aug 1941. He was later commissioned and flew P-51 fighter aircraft.

SAC Elite Guard Note:

Major Meyer while serving as BDC at Offutt AFB  was instrumental in the formation of the Elite Guard at the direction of General LeMay. Please follow the link to the historian page to read his account of the formation of the SAC Elite Guard. (Click on Historian)
 

Paul Edward Arington
29 May 1943 - 25 Oct 2006

Passed away October 25, 2006 at Holy Family Hospital. He is survived by Luwana, his wife of 35 years, son Paul of Cheney, WA, daughters Carrie, Kelly, Shirley and Christine all of Spokane, WA, son Ross and Ross' wife and daughter of Oita, Japan.  Also his mother Jean Arington and brother Stephen Arington of Kittitas, WA; brother Jerry Arington of Selah, WA, sister Brenda Houston of Ellensburg, WA, and his sisters Kathy Arington and Connie Crews of Yakima, WA. Services will be Thursday, November 2nd at 11:00 AM at the L.D.S. Church, 5001 W. Shawnee, Spokane, WA. HAZEN & JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, 1306 N. MONROE ST., is in charge of arrangements.



 

SAC Elite Guard 1962 - 1964

Chief Warrant Officer Harold F. Clary
5 Apr 1924 - 20 Sep 2006

Merced (CA) Sun-Star Sep 24, 2006

Harold F. Clary, Sr.

Harold F. Clary was born on April 5, 1924 in Nebraska City, Nebraska and passed away September 20, 2006 in Merced, California at the age of 82 years. Harold was a 27 year veteran of the military, serving in both the United States Army and the United State Air Force, from which he retired as a CWO4 in the Security Police. He served with distinction in Europe, immediately after WWII, at the Strategic Air command at Offutt AFB, in Vietnam, and finally at Castle AFB in Atwater, where he retired from active duty in 1970. Harold was born and raised in Nebraska, one of seven brothers and sisters, where he met and married his wife, Marcia. He lived in the Merced area for the last 37 years. Harold was an avid reader and R/C aircraft enthusiast. Over the years he crafted and flew dozens of remote controlled planes and was an active member of the Merced R/C flying club. Harold was preceded in death by his son, Dave of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marcia; son, Harold and his wife Dori of Annandale, Virginia; daughter, Debbie of Larkspur, California and daughter-in-law Barb of Raleigh. He is also survived by three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his younger brother Leonard and by many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held in Nebraska at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.

Mr. Clary was assigned to the 3902 Air Police Squadron when the SAC Elite Guard was formed and was responsible for procuring our unique uniforms among other activities.
 

Gregory Gardner
Honorary SAC Elite Guard Member
13 Dec 1947 - 3 Dec 2006

We received a letter Friday from Lavern Gardner, mother of Gregory Gardner who in 1962 at 13 yrs of age was given honorary status as a SAC Elite Guardsman.  He was suffering from Cerebral Palsy from birth.  In her letter she said he lost his fight for life at age 58. 

Many of you will remember Greg from his visit to Offutt in 1962 where he was given a complete tour of the base, visited with General Power and given a complete SAC Elite Guard uniform and made an honorary member.

Though the love and attention of Greg's mother and father he lived his life with his parents where he continued to enjoy his hobby of collecting military  memorabilia.

Greg leaves behind his mother Laverne.

For more information on Greg Gardner Click HERE








Honorary Member SAC Elite Guard

 70-72 NCOIC Training

To view the published obit click Here

SAC Elite Guard

Colonel John L. Lind
1930 - 27 June 2007

for Memorial Service information click HERE

LIND-John L., Col. USAF (Ret.), age 77, 6/27/07, Bellevue. Survived by wife, Madeline (Reed) Lind; sons, Marcus Lind and wife Deb, Dale Lind and wife Mindy; daughter, Nancy Carey and husband, Danny; 6 grandchildren, Christina and Ashley Lind, Amber and Nathan Lind, Abian and Michael Sacks; sister, Dessie Zebo; brother Alan Lind. Preceded in death by parents, brother, Darrel Lind and sister Florence Lind.
MEMORIAL SERVICE Fri July 6, 11am, Grace Baptist Church of Papillion, 205 E. Halleck St., Papillion. The family will greet friends 1 hour before and after the Service. Memorials suggested to Grace Baptist Church of Papillion or Grace University of Omaha. BELLEVUE MEMORIAL CHAPEL
Heafey-Heafey-Hoffmann Dworak-Cutler
22nd & Hancock, Bellevue 291-5000


SAC Elite Guard 1960 - 1963
 

Queen City, TX

DeWayne was one of the original members of the newly formed Detachment A, which General LeMay formed to provide security for the command center at Offutt AFB.

SAC Elite Guard 1956 - 1961
 

SAC Elite Guard 1959 - 1961

“Taps have been played, rifles fired and the flag folded.  As you read this I am celebrating my victory over death by rejoicing with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Do not grieve or mourn for me I am in a far better place, hopefully all of us will be united in the future.  I have met wonderful people every place I have gone and I want each of you to know that I love you dearly and my life would have been incomplete without you.  I would like to add the people I met and worked with in the SAC Elite Guard were the finest folks I have ever known.  God bless each and everyone.”  Charlie Lee

The above is correspondence that I received from Charlie over the past months as he waged a valiant fight against cancer.  I know that he wanted this added to his final honors section.  He felt very proud to have served his country for 24 years but was especially proud of his association with the SAC Elite Guard.  For those of us who knew him, worked with or for him knew that he was an exemplary individual who held the highest standards for himself and those who worked for him.

Charlie entered the USAF October 1957 and was first assigned with the Armed Forces Weapons Project (AFSWP) at Bossier Base, La.  After completing a 4 year controlled tour he was assigned to Wheelus AB, Libya (USAFE) 18 month unaccompanied tour.  Upon return he was assigned to Myrtle Beach, AFB SC (TAC).   In 1966  he was assigned to Da Nang AB, RVN.  Upon completion of his SEA tour he received his first SAC assignment at Clinton Sherman AFB, Ok.  In 1967 he was assigned to SAC Headquarters with the SAC Elite Guard.  In 1968 Charlie was assigned to Upper Heyford RAF Base, England.

After his four year  tour in England Charlie cross trained into his secondary AFSC (Intelligence).  Assignment in this AFSC included Grand Forks AFB and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, where he retired with 24 years active duty and 2 years Army National Guard.

Charlie leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Margaret, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 2 of which are currently active duty USAF.

SAC Elite Guard 1967 - 1968
 

SMSgt (Ret) Anthony Tonzello
 1939 - 17 February 2008

burial: Arlington National Cemetery


ANTHONY TONZELLO  (ROCKLEDGE , FL)  Anthony Tonzello passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2008.  He is survived by his wife, Alice Tonzello; his daughter, Jennifer Caldwell, and her husband, Aaron Caldwell; and his grandchildren, Emma Caldwell and Ethan Caldwell.  He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Domenica and Alfred Tonzello.  He was a retired USAF Senior MSGT.  Calling hours are 10 to 11a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11a.m., on Friday, February 22, 2008, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rockledge.  Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.  Arrangements are by Wylie- Baxley Rockledge Funeral Home.







SAC Elite Guard 1964 - 1966

SAC Elite Guard 1966 - 1968

SAC Elite Guard 1967 - 1969
 

Charles Wesley Canny
3 February 1936 - 26 November 2008


OTTUMWA — Charles Wesley Canny, son of Charles Rufus and Myrtle Margurite (Mooney) Canny was born in Ottumwa on Feb. 3, 1936, and passed away at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines on Nov. 26, 2008.After high school Charlie served in the United States Air Force for 10 years and was a Sac Elite Honor Guard at Offutt Air Force Base. After his discharge from the military he worked as a machine operator and later was a machine shop foreman at John Deere Manufacturing in Ottumwa for 27 years. Before moving to Corydon he lived in Albia, Lake Rathbun and Port Byron, Ill. Charlie loved motorcycles, snowmobiling, guns and reloading shells. He was member of the Freedomriders, Abate of Iowa, Legion Riders, Motorcycle Riders Foundation and Rathbun Riders Snowmobile Club. He was also a member of U.A.W. 74 and was a past union steward. He was united in marriage to Norma Jean Shipley on April 12, 1995.His parents and younger sister, Charlotte Berg preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Norma of Corydon; his children, Debbie Canny Fish and husband, Randy of LeClaire, Lori Canny Miles and husband, Dwayne of Davenport, Charles Michael Canny of Glenwood, Missy Canny Winebrenner and husband, Jorg of Jlbesheim, Germany and David Canny; stepchildren, Rod Paris of Altoona, Randy and Reid Paris both of Ottumwa, Rhonda Paris Kline of Albia, Kevin Reynolds and Kim Reynolds Owen both of Adel, Karl Reynolds of Ottumwa; 23 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his brother, Tim Canny and wife, Cathy of East Moline, Ill.; sister, Linda Hucks of Davenport; mother-in-law, Reva Shipley and sister-in-law, Maggie Dorsey both of Corydon; brother-in-law, Clifford Shipley of Mercer, Mo.; former wives, Pudge Canny Amos of Albia, Jean Canny Holman of Meteria, La. and Joan Canny Snook of Davenport; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends. Graveside services will be held at the Allerton Cemetery in Allerton, Iowa at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008 with the Pastor Leroy Perkins officiating. Visitation will be held at the Randolph Funeral Home in Corydon from noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday.


Detachment "A"
SAC Elite Guard 1958 - 1961

Ed Dodd

SAC Elite Guard 1955 - 1968
 

Raymond Leon Balcer, age 78, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas.  Born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on May 17, 1930, Raymond was the son of Leo and Emma Von Elm Balcer.  Mr. Balcer, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, received a Bronze Star Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal, and two Legion of Merit Medals.  Mr. Balcer was also active in Fair Oaks Ranch City government and was the longest serving alderman on the city council.  He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Charlene Powell Balcer.  He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann Loy Balcer; children, Brent Balcer and his wife Ellen, Brenda Balcer, Kim Balcer Quade and her husband Jeff, Becky Balcer Caplener and her husband Russell; step- children, Robert Butler, Dianne Finke and her husband Todd; brother, Don Balcer and his wife Carol; grandchildren, August Balcer, Emma Balcer, William Quade, Connor Quade, Aaron Caplener, Jake Butler, Alese Butler and Dalton Finke.  There was be a memorial service on Friday, October 17 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, at 9:30 a.m.  Procession to Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery followed the service.  In lieu of flowers the family requested donations be made in Mr. Balcer’s honor to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Dept. WEB, P.O. Box 307, Maryknoll, NY. 10545-0307.  

Ray Balcer was Honors Graduate from the ROTC program at Oklahoma A & M (now Oklahoma State)  In recognition of his achievement, Ray was granted a direct commission into the regular Air Force, rather than the normal reserve commission.
Upon his arrival at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, Ray was assigned duties as the first OIC of Detachment A, 3902nd APS, soon to be the SAC Elite Guard.  "Col. B" was highly revered by all who worked for him or knew of him. 

SAC Elite Guard - First OIC Det. "A"
 

Alton Wayne Morgan
30 Dec 1950 - 11 May 2005

Alton Wayne Morgan, 54, of Orange, Texas, died Wednesday, May 11, 2005, at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 15, 2005, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Bailey Harris, pastor at Old First Orange Baptist Church. Entombment will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery, with Military Rites given by the Southeast Texas Veteran's Group and Masonic Rites by members of the Pine Forest Masonic Lodge in Vidor. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home in Orange. Alton was born in Orange on December 30, 1950. He was the son of Marvin and Esthereene (Lott) Morgan. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving during Vietnam. Upon his return to the states, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and became a member of the Strategic Air Command. He was a member of Pipefitter's Local #195, where he was a pipefitter, welder and instrument technician. He was a member of Pine Forest Masonic Lodge in Vidor and Old First Orange Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife, Rosetta (Richardson) Morgan; son, Brandon Morgan both of Orange; and brothers, Raymond Morgan and Billy Ray Morgan both of Newton, Harold Morgan of San Antonio and Mel Morgan of Syracuse, New York. Serving as pallbearers will be Gary Gunter, Hershel Morgan, Larry Pearson, Clyde Morgan, Horton McCabe, and Therman Wallace. 504 N. 5th Street Orange, TX 77630 409-886-4445





SAC Elite Guard circa 1971 - 1972

SMSgt (Ret) Ovaton Miller
24 Feb 1927 - 26 Feb 2008

It is Ovaton Miller's likeness that we see whenever we look at the Guardsman image on our certificates and on this site.  Milt Caniff, the creator of "Steve Canyon", drew Ovaton back in the 1950's.






SAC Elite Guard 1956 - 1961
 

James W. Nanney
25 Feb 1929 - 2 Feb 2006

SAC Elite Guard 1957 - 1961

Forest W. "Bill" Schumacher, 80, of Marietta, died Saturday (June 6, 2009) at The Arbors in Marietta.

He was born Jan. 13, 1929, in Parkersburg to Forest William and Mabel Rowley Schumacher. He was a 1946 graduate of Parkersburg High School and had attended Washington State Community College. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of Vietnam, retiring from the military in November of 1970 as a senior master sergeant. He had served as NCOIC of the SAC Elite Guard. He had worked in Parker, S.D., as the county assessor and had worked various other jobs after the military. He had been branch manager of W.T. Grants in Parkersburg, as well as in Lincoln, Neb., and had been dispatcher for the Marietta City Police Department. Bill was an active member of Twin Rivers Baptist Church, helping with Bible school and other activities for the church. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW and was a 32nd Degree Mason.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia A. Lauderman Steele Schumacher, they were married on May 16, 2003; five children, Charles Schumacher (Kit) of Seward, Neb., Mary Larson (Larry) of Lincoln, Neb., Robert Schumacher (Tammy) of Nebraska City, Neb., Keith Schumacher (Lei) of Lancaster, Calif., and Tanya Schumacher of Sioux Falls, S.D.; three stepchildren, Marcia McCullough (Rick) of St. Marys, W.Va., Michelle Bookman (Darian) of Cincinnati and Brian Steele (Rhonda) of Little Hocking; two sisters, Lucille Shriver of Lowell and Dorothy Rarden of Columbus; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and seven step grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Charles William Schumacher Jr.; sister, Louise Campbell; and brother, Paul Edward Rowley.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday (June 11, 2009) at Twin Rivers Baptist Church, 110 DAV Road, Whipple, with Pastor Jeff Baumer officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Lowell with full military honors. Friends may call at the Lowell Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and for one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.

Donations may be made to his church at P.O. Box 42, Marietta, Ohio 45750.

Cawley & Peoples Funeral Homes offers online condolences, by visiting their Web site, www.cawleyandpeoples.com .

SAC Elite Guard circa 1960 - 1968
 

TSgt (Ret) Alfred C. Woolgar
8 May 1930 - 22 June 2009

Born at Fort Snelling to Charles R. & Lucille F. Woolgar, Al retired from military service after 22 years. He volunteered many hours through various veteran organizations and he was a recipient of the Purple Heart. In addition he retired from 3M after 27 years.

Survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth; daughter, Lynn (Jim) Murray; 3 granddaughters, Jamie (Skip) Lessard; Heather (Chris Nelson) Lessard and Mindy (Jason) Grezek; 6 great-grandchildren, Kayla, Dakota, Sissy, Zackary, Logan and Noah; his companion dog, Rambo; many friends; and service comrades.

View or sign memorial Guest Book




SAC Elite Guard circa 1957 - 1960 / 1962 - 1966

TSgt (Ret) Kenneth R. Holmes
7 Aug 1938 - 27 Jun 2009

Kenneth R. Holmes, 70, of Peru, Ind., formerly of Vandergrift,died Saturday, June 27, 2009, at St. Vincent Seton Specialty  Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind., with his devoted wife at his bedside. He was born Aug. 7, 1938, in Pittsburgh, the son of Clarence and Clara (Hampe) Holmes. He attended Vandergrift High School with the class of 1956. He retired in 1978 as a technical sergeant in the Air Force after 21 years, serving in Hawaii, Vietnam and Greece. This was followed by 20 years of Civil Service employment. He is survived by his wife Joyce Hippensteel Holmes; his sons, Daniel, of West Haven, Conn., David, of Fort Charlotte, Fla., and Kenneth of Fort Wayne, Ind.; stepdaughter, Lisa (Joseph) Armey, of Warsaw, Ind.; two grandsons and one stepgranddaughter; brothers, Edward, of Greensburg, and Robert (Sheila), of Vandergrift; sisters, Ina Swartz, of Belleville, Ill., and Jean, of Vandergrift. Also surviving are many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, William. Graveside military services were held in Marion, Ind. Arrangements were entrusted to FLOWERS-LEEDY FUNERAL HOME in Peru.
 

SAC Elite Guard & Drill Team 1962-1964
 

Verlin D. Hess
23 Apr 1937 - 27 Sep 2009

HESS, Verlin (Dean) 72, beloved husband for 49 years of Judith Erslev Hess, passed away on Sept. 27, 2009. He was born in Cincinnati, OH and was the son of the late Lawrence Hess and Myrtle Tomes Reed. Dean was a 20 year veteran of the United States Air Force serving as both a Security Police Specialist and Command and Control Specialist. He was part of the Strategic Air Command's Elite Guard and served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Upon retirement from the Air Force in 1974, Dean moved with his family to New Port Richey and worked in the aerospace industry until retirement in 1999 from Smith Industries Aerospace. Dean enjoyed trap and skeet target shooting and was a member of the Silver Dollar Shooter's Club in Odessa. He is survived by his wife, Judith; son, Michael; daughter, Melinda; and grandson, Michael, Jr. A memorial service will be held at VFW Post 7987, 7445 Chester McKay Dr., New Port Richey, FL on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 pm. Morgan Funeral Home 727-847-3999

LTC (Ret) Claude  Guran
1940 -  21 Sep 2009

Claude Philip “Red” Guran, Lt. Col, USAF, Ret., 69, of Rio Rancho, N.M., died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2009 as a result of an automobile accident near Oklahoma City, Okla.

Born in Wanne-Eickel, Germ-any, to Anneliese Wiegand and Philip William Guran, Red moved to the USA in 1948. Proud to be an American citizen, Red joined the Navy in 1957 for a single tour, after graduating from McKenzie High School, Detroit, Mich. However, realizing the value of higher education, he returned to Michigan to complete a BS in police administration from Michigan State University and an MA in public administration from Central Michigan University.

Red joined the USAF and became a member of Security Police Forces, retiring as a Lt. Col. USAF. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, AF Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with six Bronze Stars.

After retirement from the Air Force, Red returned to school, obtaining a MS in special education from the University of New Mexico and began a 13-year teaching career at Cibola High School. After retiring from teaching, Red and Lynne travelled extensively in their RV throughout the United States.

Red is survived by his loving family: wife, Lynne, of Rio Rancho; sons, Major Nickolaus Guran, USA, and wife Michelle of Bamberg, Germany, and Alexander Guran and fiancé Sonia Sanchez of Albuquerque, N.M.; and brother William (Bill) Guran and his wife Janice of Milford, Mich.

A memorial service will be held at Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Deacons Fund of Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church, 1004 24th St. SE, in Rio Rancho. Arrangements have been made by Daniels Funeral Home on Southern Boulevard.
 

Earl (Russ) Danley
26 Aug 1951 - 30 Mar 2009

DANLEY EARL "RUSS"
Of Eighty Four, age 57, on Monday, March 30, 2009. Beloved husband of Jennifer (Fidler) Danley; father of the late Patrick Russell Danley; step-father of Jay V. Sistik and Alysse L. Sistik; brother of Richard E. (Kristy) Danley of Claysville, Michael K. Danley of Hagerstown, MD, and William C. (Sandy) Danley of Washington. Also many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Russ was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the American Legion, James R. Hunt Post 639, of Claysville. He was a police officer in Arlington, Texas prior to moving back to Pennsylvania. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and fishing and was an avid NASCAR fan. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends welcome at 2828 Washington Road, Peters Township, 724-941-3211, Wednesday 2-8 PM. Services will be held at the Funeral Home Thursday 11 AM. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to The American Cancer Society American Cancer Society American Cancer Society American Cancer Society , 320 Bilmar Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.Please add or view Tributes at
www.BeinhauerFamilyServices.com

SAC ELITE GUARD 1976 - 1978