Our December 17th, 2023 concert is dedicated to two long-time members of the band who died recently; Pat Scherago, Clarinet, and Dick Robison, French Horn.
Dick Robison, a resident of Fairfax Station, VA, passed away Aug. 30, 2023, after a struggle with complications of long Covid-19. When he died, his wife, daughter and son were at his bedside at Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center at Fort Belvoir, VA.
He was the son of William J. Robison (deceased) and Lois Ellen Robison, now residing in Dublin, OH. His hometown was London, OH, where he graduated from high school in 1970 and remained friends with many classmates over the years. He was an Eagle Scout and National Merit Scholar. He played French horn in the marching band, was a lifeguard and radio DJ and performed with a rock band, among his many interests.
He is survived by his wife Judy (Lohla), daughter Doracy (Robison) Harrison of Raleigh, NC; son Matthew and daughter-in-law Heather (Mourick) of Nashua, NH; sisters Ann (Robison) Robinson of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Ellen (Robison) Hill and her husband Nick Hill of Dublin, OH. He was also known as “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren, Dale and Jesse (deceased), Will, Ellie and Cora.
He attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1974. He later completed a Master of Science Administration (Management) from Georgia College in 1984. At U of M, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi social fraternity. He also had a four-year scholarship in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps and reached the rank of commander in the James Van Veen Squadron.
Dick met his sweetheart, Judy, in college, and they married shortly after graduation. After a year working at civilian jobs in Los Angeles, they moved in 1975 to Big Spring, Texas, where Dick reported for undergraduate pilot training at Webb Air Force Base. Further professional military education during his 26 years in the Air Force included Squadron Officers School at Maxwell AFB, AL; Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, VA; Air Command & Staff College and Air War College by correspondence.
After training in C-130s, Dick’s first assignment as a trained pilot was as a “Hurricane Hunter” at Biloxi (MS) AFB. As an aircraft commander in the modified WC-130, Dick piloted 22 penetrations into hurricanes and typhoons in the Atlantic and Pacific, as well as performing weather modification flights in Germany and flying into winter storms in Alaska and the East Coast.
His military assignments included two tours in Germany. At Zweibruecken AB (1984-87), he was in the initial cadre for the new European Distribution System, flying the C-23, a new aircraft in a new role in Europe. During the second tour at Ramstein AB (1994-96), he was the commander for the largest Operations Support Squadron in the Air Force, overseeing 330 members, six flights and 26 specialties.
Among his remote overseas assignments, he served as commander of the Tactical Airlift Control Element in Mogadishu, Somalia, for four months in 1993, where he directed airlift and emergency relief under hostile fire and in austere conditions. Other assignments took him to Guam, Philippines, Dhahran, and Sarajevo.
His final job with the Air Force was as director, USAF Customer Support Team with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (formerly the National Imagery and Mapping Agency), with an office in Reston, VA. In his Air Force career, he was awarded numerous military decorations, including the Legion of Merit. He retired in 2000 with the rank of colonel.
After his retirement from the military, Dick remained in Northern Virginia and began a second career with EOIR Technologies Inc. where he was Director of the Intelligence Support. He retired from that position in 2013 and remained very active with his church, Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke, VA., and with the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia. In all his volunteer connections, he was admired for his leadership, dedication, good humor, and technical savvy.
Dick enjoyed playing French horn with the Kings Park Band, the Williamsburg Consort and French Woods Band Festival. His hobbies included travel, music, SCUBA diving, aviation and reading.
Patricia Scherago, of Dumfries, VA, died at her home in Dumfries, VA, on October 24, 2023, after a six-month struggle with cancer.
She was born Patricia Molodowitz at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. Her mother told her that Nancy Sinatra was in the nursery at the same time, but that Pat cried louder, and in tune! Pat was the oldest of four children in a musical family. Her mother sang and her father played both piano and violin. Her father had a dance band, “Joe Melody (Molodowitz) and his Boys,” playing for weddings and other events.
“One of our favorite songs to sing was ‘I am a fine musician,’ Pat recounted, ‘where we each sang the part of a different instrument. I wish I still had the little record we made of that. My mother was so patient, letting us use the pots and pans to jam in the kitchen.” When ready for lessons, they all started with voice and piano, then went on to learn other instruments. All became serious musicians.
Pat learned to play clarinet, saxophone, and flute. As a child, Pat listened to the opera every Saturday morning on WQXR, New York’s venerable classical music station. Pat and her siblings’ even created and staged an opera in their backyard. Pat learned how to sing in harmony when she was in fourth grade, and sang in a trio with her sisters, accompanied by a pianist.
Pat was also steeped in Eastern European music. Her father’s side of the family came from Lviv (currently in Ukraine) and her mother’s came from the Carpathian Mountains. The family attended a Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, where she was exposed to church music as well as Ukrainian folk dance. She always remembered her Uncle Alexander’s skill with Cossack dancing.
In high school, Pat participated in orchestra, concert band, and marching band. The marching band was particularly excellent and became known as the “Showband of the Northeast.” At graduation, Pat received an award as the outstanding music student of her year. Pat was offered a choice of an academic or a musical scholarship at every college to which she applied; she chose the University of Miami for its orchestral music program and was accepted for the single spot available for a clarinetist.
At Miami Pat studied solfége and chamber music with Renée Longy, who had been Leonard Bernstein’s teacher at the Curtis Institute. During her time at the university Pat was also Principal Clarinetist for the Miami Symphony. Graduating with the highest average at the school of music, she and had the honor of conducting the university band and leading all the graduates in singing the alma mater.
After college Pat moved to the Washington area where her first husband’s career had taken him. She taught instrumental and vocal music in Montgomery County Maryland and later in Arlington, Virginia. She eventually branched out into teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in addition to music.
Pat saw a strong relation between music and language and using her musical background to compose songs and chants to help her students learn English. She was eventually asked by supporters to share her methods in workshops for fellow teachers, and presented them at many state and national conferences.
In 2003, Pat married Robert (Bob) Scherago, who had also attended Clifton High School and been involved in music. They had actually met earlier, during rehearsals for the all-city elementary school band. Pat tracked Bob down after learning he was living in the area as well. Both Pat and Bob retired in 2006 and began a happy time of playing music together and traveling.
They played together in the Kings Park Concert and German band, and a chamber orchestra. Pat also played with other chamber groups and was the only clarineist with the Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra. She was also a member of the Friday Morning Music Club.
Pat leaves behind her beloved husband, two sisters, three children, nine grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
He was the son of William J. Robison (deceased) and Lois Ellen Robison, now residing in Dublin, OH. His hometown was London, OH, where he graduated from high school in 1970 and remained friends with many classmates over the years. He was an Eagle Scout and National Merit Scholar. He played French horn in the marching band, was a lifeguard and radio DJ and performed with a rock band, among his many interests.
He is survived by his wife Judy (Lohla), daughter Doracy (Robison) Harrison of Raleigh, NC; son Matthew and daughter-in-law Heather (Mourick) of Nashua, NH; sisters Ann (Robison) Robinson of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Ellen (Robison) Hill and her husband Nick Hill of Dublin, OH. He was also known as “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren, Dale and Jesse (deceased), Will, Ellie and Cora.
He attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1974. He later completed a Master of Science Administration (Management) from Georgia College in 1984. At U of M, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi social fraternity. He also had a four-year scholarship in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps and reached the rank of commander in the James Van Veen Squadron.
Dick met his sweetheart, Judy, in college, and they married shortly after graduation. After a year working at civilian jobs in Los Angeles, they moved in 1975 to Big Spring, Texas, where Dick reported for undergraduate pilot training at Webb Air Force Base. Further professional military education during his 26 years in the Air Force included Squadron Officers School at Maxwell AFB, AL; Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, VA; Air Command & Staff College and Air War College by correspondence.
After training in C-130s, Dick’s first assignment as a trained pilot was as a “Hurricane Hunter” at Biloxi (MS) AFB. As an aircraft commander in the modified WC-130, Dick piloted 22 penetrations into hurricanes and typhoons in the Atlantic and Pacific, as well as performing weather modification flights in Germany and flying into winter storms in Alaska and the East Coast.
His military assignments included two tours in Germany. At Zweibruecken AB (1984-87), he was in the initial cadre for the new European Distribution System, flying the C-23, a new aircraft in a new role in Europe. During the second tour at Ramstein AB (1994-96), he was the commander for the largest Operations Support Squadron in the Air Force, overseeing 330 members, six flights and 26 specialties.
Among his remote overseas assignments, he served as commander of the Tactical Airlift Control Element in Mogadishu, Somalia, for four months in 1993, where he directed airlift and emergency relief under hostile fire and in austere conditions. Other assignments took him to Guam, Philippines, Dhahran, and Sarajevo.
His final job with the Air Force was as director, USAF Customer Support Team with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (formerly the National Imagery and Mapping Agency), with an office in Reston, VA. In his Air Force career, he was awarded numerous military decorations, including the Legion of Merit. He retired in 2000 with the rank of colonel.
After his retirement from the military, Dick remained in Northern Virginia and began a second career with EOIR Technologies Inc. where he was Director of the Intelligence Support. He retired from that position in 2013 and remained very active with his church, Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke, VA., and with the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia. In all his volunteer connections, he was admired for his leadership, dedication, good humor, and technical savvy.
Dick enjoyed playing French horn with the Kings Park Band, the Williamsburg Consort and French Woods Band Festival. His hobbies included travel, music, SCUBA diving, aviation and reading.
Patricia Scherago, of Dumfries, VA, died at her home in Dumfries, VA, on October 24, 2023, after a six-month struggle with cancer.
She was born Patricia Molodowitz at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. Her mother told her that Nancy Sinatra was in the nursery at the same time, but that Pat cried louder, and in tune! Pat was the oldest of four children in a musical family. Her mother sang and her father played both piano and violin. Her father had a dance band, “Joe Melody (Molodowitz) and his Boys,” playing for weddings and other events.
“One of our favorite songs to sing was ‘I am a fine musician,’ Pat recounted, ‘where we each sang the part of a different instrument. I wish I still had the little record we made of that. My mother was so patient, letting us use the pots and pans to jam in the kitchen.” When ready for lessons, they all started with voice and piano, then went on to learn other instruments. All became serious musicians.
Pat learned to play clarinet, saxophone, and flute. As a child, Pat listened to the opera every Saturday morning on WQXR, New York’s venerable classical music station. Pat and her siblings’ even created and staged an opera in their backyard. Pat learned how to sing in harmony when she was in fourth grade, and sang in a trio with her sisters, accompanied by a pianist.
Pat was also steeped in Eastern European music. Her father’s side of the family came from Lviv (currently in Ukraine) and her mother’s came from the Carpathian Mountains. The family attended a Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, where she was exposed to church music as well as Ukrainian folk dance. She always remembered her Uncle Alexander’s skill with Cossack dancing.
In high school, Pat participated in orchestra, concert band, and marching band. The marching band was particularly excellent and became known as the “Showband of the Northeast.” At graduation, Pat received an award as the outstanding music student of her year. Pat was offered a choice of an academic or a musical scholarship at every college to which she applied; she chose the University of Miami for its orchestral music program and was accepted for the single spot available for a clarinetist.
At Miami Pat studied solfége and chamber music with Renée Longy, who had been Leonard Bernstein’s teacher at the Curtis Institute. During her time at the university Pat was also Principal Clarinetist for the Miami Symphony. Graduating with the highest average at the school of music, she and had the honor of conducting the university band and leading all the graduates in singing the alma mater.
After college Pat moved to the Washington area where her first husband’s career had taken him. She taught instrumental and vocal music in Montgomery County Maryland and later in Arlington, Virginia. She eventually branched out into teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in addition to music.
Pat saw a strong relation between music and language and using her musical background to compose songs and chants to help her students learn English. She was eventually asked by supporters to share her methods in workshops for fellow teachers, and presented them at many state and national conferences.
In 2003, Pat married Robert (Bob) Scherago, who had also attended Clifton High School and been involved in music. They had actually met earlier, during rehearsals for the all-city elementary school band. Pat tracked Bob down after learning he was living in the area as well. Both Pat and Bob retired in 2006 and began a happy time of playing music together and traveling.
They played together in the Kings Park Concert and German band, and a chamber orchestra. Pat also played with other chamber groups and was the only clarineist with the Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra. She was also a member of the Friday Morning Music Club.
Pat leaves behind her beloved husband, two sisters, three children, nine grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
Patricia Scherago, of Dumfries, VA, died at her home in Dumfries, VA, on October 24, 2023, after a six-month struggle with cancer.
She was born Patricia Molodowitz at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. Her mother told her that Nancy Sinatra was in the nursery at the same time, but that Pat cried louder, and in tune! Pat was the oldest of four children in a musical family. Her mother sang and her father played both piano and violin. Her father had a dance band, “Joe Melody (Molodowitz) and his Boys,” playing for weddings and other events.
“One of our favorite songs to sing was ‘I am a fine musician,’ Pat recounted, ‘where we each sang the part of a different instrument. I wish I still had the little record we made of that. My mother was so patient, letting us use the pots and pans to jam in the kitchen.” When ready for lessons, they all started with voice and piano, then went on to learn other instruments. All became serious musicians.
Pat learned to play clarinet, saxophone, and flute. As a child, Pat listened to the opera every Saturday morning on WQXR, New York’s venerable classical music station. Pat and her siblings’ even created and staged an opera in their backyard. Pat learned how to sing in harmony when she was in fourth grade, and sang in a trio with her sisters, accompanied by a pianist.
Pat was also steeped in Eastern European music. Her father’s side of the family came from Lviv (currently in Ukraine) and her mother’s came from the Carpathian Mountains. The family attended a Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, where she was exposed to church music as well as Ukrainian folk dance. She always remembered her Uncle Alexander’s skill with Cossack dancing.
In high school, Pat participated in orchestra, concert band, and marching band. The marching band was particularly excellent and became known as the “Showband of the Northeast.” At graduation, Pat received an award as the outstanding music student of her year. Pat was offered a choice of an academic or a musical scholarship at every college to which she applied; she chose the University of Miami for its orchestral music program and was accepted for the single spot available for a clarinetist.
At Miami Pat studied solfége and chamber music with Renée Longy, who had been Leonard Bernstein’s teacher at the Curtis Institute. During her time at the university Pat was also Principal Clarinetist for the Miami Symphony. Graduating with the highest average at the school of music, she and had the honor of conducting the university band and leading all the graduates in singing the alma mater.
After college Pat moved to the Washington area where her first husband’s career had taken him. She taught instrumental and vocal music in Montgomery County Maryland and later in Arlington, Virginia. She eventually branched out into teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in addition to music.
Pat saw a strong relation between music and language and using her musical background to compose songs and chants to help her students learn English. She was eventually asked by supporters to share her methods in workshops for fellow teachers, and presented them at many state and national conferences.
In 2003, Pat married Robert (Bob) Scherago, who had also attended Clifton High School and been involved in music. They had actually met earlier, during rehearsals for the all-city elementary school band. Pat tracked Bob down after learning he was living in the area as well. Both Pat and Bob retired in 2006 and began a happy time of playing music together and traveling.
They played together in the Kings Park Concert and German band, and a chamber orchestra. Pat also played with other chamber groups and was the only clarineist with the Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra. She was also a member of the Friday Morning Music Club.
Pat leaves behind her beloved husband, two sisters, three children, nine grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
She was born Patricia Molodowitz at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic, New Jersey. Her mother told her that Nancy Sinatra was in the nursery at the same time, but that Pat cried louder, and in tune! Pat was the oldest of four children in a musical family. Her mother sang and her father played both piano and violin. Her father had a dance band, “Joe Melody (Molodowitz) and his Boys,” playing for weddings and other events.
“One of our favorite songs to sing was ‘I am a fine musician,’ Pat recounted, ‘where we each sang the part of a different instrument. I wish I still had the little record we made of that. My mother was so patient, letting us use the pots and pans to jam in the kitchen.” When ready for lessons, they all started with voice and piano, then went on to learn other instruments. All became serious musicians.
Pat learned to play clarinet, saxophone, and flute. As a child, Pat listened to the opera every Saturday morning on WQXR, New York’s venerable classical music station. Pat and her siblings’ even created and staged an opera in their backyard. Pat learned how to sing in harmony when she was in fourth grade, and sang in a trio with her sisters, accompanied by a pianist.
Pat was also steeped in Eastern European music. Her father’s side of the family came from Lviv (currently in Ukraine) and her mother’s came from the Carpathian Mountains. The family attended a Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, where she was exposed to church music as well as Ukrainian folk dance. She always remembered her Uncle Alexander’s skill with Cossack dancing.
In high school, Pat participated in orchestra, concert band, and marching band. The marching band was particularly excellent and became known as the “Showband of the Northeast.” At graduation, Pat received an award as the outstanding music student of her year. Pat was offered a choice of an academic or a musical scholarship at every college to which she applied; she chose the University of Miami for its orchestral music program and was accepted for the single spot available for a clarinetist.
At Miami Pat studied solfége and chamber music with Renée Longy, who had been Leonard Bernstein’s teacher at the Curtis Institute. During her time at the university Pat was also Principal Clarinetist for the Miami Symphony. Graduating with the highest average at the school of music, she and had the honor of conducting the university band and leading all the graduates in singing the alma mater.
After college Pat moved to the Washington area where her first husband’s career had taken him. She taught instrumental and vocal music in Montgomery County Maryland and later in Arlington, Virginia. She eventually branched out into teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in addition to music.
Pat saw a strong relation between music and language and using her musical background to compose songs and chants to help her students learn English. She was eventually asked by supporters to share her methods in workshops for fellow teachers, and presented them at many state and national conferences.
In 2003, Pat married Robert (Bob) Scherago, who had also attended Clifton High School and been involved in music. They had actually met earlier, during rehearsals for the all-city elementary school band. Pat tracked Bob down after learning he was living in the area as well. Both Pat and Bob retired in 2006 and began a happy time of playing music together and traveling.
They played together in the Kings Park Concert and German band, and a chamber orchestra. Pat also played with other chamber groups and was the only clarineist with the Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra. She was also a member of the Friday Morning Music Club.
Pat leaves behind her beloved husband, two sisters, three children, nine grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
Dick Robison, a resident of Fairfax Station, VA, passed away Aug. 30, 2023, after a struggle with complications of long Covid-19. When he died, his wife, daughter and son were at his bedside at Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center at Fort Belvoir, VA.
He was the son of William J. Robison (deceased) and Lois Ellen Robison, now residing in Dublin, OH. His hometown was London, OH, where he graduated from high school in 1970 and remained friends with many classmates over the years. He was an Eagle Scout and National Merit Scholar. He played French horn in the marching band, was a lifeguard and radio DJ and performed with a rock band, among his many interests.
He is survived by his wife Judy (Lohla), daughter Doracy (Robison) Harrison of Raleigh, NC; son Matthew and daughter-in-law Heather (Mourick) of Nashua, NH; sisters Ann (Robison) Robinson of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Ellen (Robison) Hill and her husband Nick Hill of Dublin, OH. He was also known as “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren, Dale and Jesse (deceased), Will, Ellie and Cora.
He attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1974. He later completed a Master of Science Administration (Management) from Georgia College in 1984. At U of M, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi social fraternity. He also had a four-year scholarship in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps and reached the rank of commander in the James Van Veen Squadron.
Dick met his sweetheart, Judy, in college, and they married shortly after graduation. After a year working at civilian jobs in Los Angeles, they moved in 1975 to Big Spring, Texas, where Dick reported for undergraduate pilot training at Webb Air Force Base. Further professional military education during his 26 years in the Air Force included Squadron Officers School at Maxwell AFB, AL; Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, VA; Air Command & Staff College and Air War College by correspondence.
After training in C-130s, Dick’s first assignment as a trained pilot was as a “Hurricane Hunter” at Biloxi (MS) AFB. As an aircraft commander in the modified WC-130, Dick piloted 22 penetrations into hurricanes and typhoons in the Atlantic and Pacific, as well as performing weather modification flights in Germany and flying into winter storms in Alaska and the East Coast.
His military assignments included two tours in Germany. At Zweibruecken AB (1984-87), he was in the initial cadre for the new European Distribution System, flying the C-23, a new aircraft in a new role in Europe. During the second tour at Ramstein AB (1994-96), he was the commander for the largest Operations Support Squadron in the Air Force, overseeing 330 members, six flights and 26 specialties.
Among his remote overseas assignments, he served as commander of the Tactical Airlift Control Element in Mogadishu, Somalia, for four months in 1993, where he directed airlift and emergency relief under hostile fire and in austere conditions. Other assignments took him to Guam, Philippines, Dhahran, and Sarajevo.
His final job with the Air Force was as director, USAF Customer Support Team with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (formerly the National Imagery and Mapping Agency), with an office in Reston, VA. In his Air Force career, he was awarded numerous military decorations, including the Legion of Merit. He retired in 2000 with the rank of colonel.
After his retirement from the military, Dick remained in Northern Virginia and began a second career with EOIR Technologies Inc. where he was Director of the Intelligence Support. He retired from that position in 2013 and remained very active with his church, Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke, VA., and with the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia. In all his volunteer connections, he was admired for his leadership, dedication, good humor, and technical savvy.
Dick enjoyed playing French horn with the Kings Park Band, the Williamsburg Consort and French Woods Band Festival. His hobbies included travel, music, SCUBA diving, aviation and reading.
He was the son of William J. Robison (deceased) and Lois Ellen Robison, now residing in Dublin, OH. His hometown was London, OH, where he graduated from high school in 1970 and remained friends with many classmates over the years. He was an Eagle Scout and National Merit Scholar. He played French horn in the marching band, was a lifeguard and radio DJ and performed with a rock band, among his many interests.
He is survived by his wife Judy (Lohla), daughter Doracy (Robison) Harrison of Raleigh, NC; son Matthew and daughter-in-law Heather (Mourick) of Nashua, NH; sisters Ann (Robison) Robinson of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Ellen (Robison) Hill and her husband Nick Hill of Dublin, OH. He was also known as “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren, Dale and Jesse (deceased), Will, Ellie and Cora.
He attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1974. He later completed a Master of Science Administration (Management) from Georgia College in 1984. At U of M, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi social fraternity. He also had a four-year scholarship in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps and reached the rank of commander in the James Van Veen Squadron.
Dick met his sweetheart, Judy, in college, and they married shortly after graduation. After a year working at civilian jobs in Los Angeles, they moved in 1975 to Big Spring, Texas, where Dick reported for undergraduate pilot training at Webb Air Force Base. Further professional military education during his 26 years in the Air Force included Squadron Officers School at Maxwell AFB, AL; Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, VA; Air Command & Staff College and Air War College by correspondence.
After training in C-130s, Dick’s first assignment as a trained pilot was as a “Hurricane Hunter” at Biloxi (MS) AFB. As an aircraft commander in the modified WC-130, Dick piloted 22 penetrations into hurricanes and typhoons in the Atlantic and Pacific, as well as performing weather modification flights in Germany and flying into winter storms in Alaska and the East Coast.
His military assignments included two tours in Germany. At Zweibruecken AB (1984-87), he was in the initial cadre for the new European Distribution System, flying the C-23, a new aircraft in a new role in Europe. During the second tour at Ramstein AB (1994-96), he was the commander for the largest Operations Support Squadron in the Air Force, overseeing 330 members, six flights and 26 specialties.
Among his remote overseas assignments, he served as commander of the Tactical Airlift Control Element in Mogadishu, Somalia, for four months in 1993, where he directed airlift and emergency relief under hostile fire and in austere conditions. Other assignments took him to Guam, Philippines, Dhahran, and Sarajevo.
His final job with the Air Force was as director, USAF Customer Support Team with the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (formerly the National Imagery and Mapping Agency), with an office in Reston, VA. In his Air Force career, he was awarded numerous military decorations, including the Legion of Merit. He retired in 2000 with the rank of colonel.
After his retirement from the military, Dick remained in Northern Virginia and began a second career with EOIR Technologies Inc. where he was Director of the Intelligence Support. He retired from that position in 2013 and remained very active with his church, Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church in Burke, VA., and with the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia. In all his volunteer connections, he was admired for his leadership, dedication, good humor, and technical savvy.
Dick enjoyed playing French horn with the Kings Park Band, the Williamsburg Consort and French Woods Band Festival. His hobbies included travel, music, SCUBA diving, aviation and reading.
Member
Like us on Facebook
Founded in 1965
Rich Bergman
Music Director
Music Director
Rich Bergman
Music Director
Music Director