All posts by Bob Yeager

Memoriam

Passing of David Barber

October 24, 1942 ~ August 13, 2018 (age 75)

Lt. Col. David E. Barber, (Ret.) USAF, 75, died peacefully in his College Station, TX home on August 13, 2018. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Bronze Star as well as many other meritorious medals for his service. Although he had many achievements during his twenty five year military career, he was most proud of commanding the 7th MMS Squadron out of Carswell, AFB. He retired from his second career as a financial planner with First Command/USPA & IRA in 2014 after twenty four years.

Dave Barber was born on October 24, 1942 in Robstown, Texas. He achieved the Eagle Scout rank from the B.S.A. and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Industry from Texas Tech University in 1965, where he was an active member of the Saddle Tramps organization. He received a Master’s degree in Arts in 1973 from Ball State University.

A fierce patriot and Texan, Dave Barber was also a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a loyal friend who always lent a helping hand in times of trouble or enjoyed a good laugh. Truly, he never met a stranger in his life. He married Martha J. McDavid from Waco, TX in 1965 and enjoyed a marriage of 42 years until her death in 2007. He was blessed in marriage once again to Sandra Kirwan in 2008 and they just celebrated their 10th year anniversary.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; her son, Ron Roach Jr.; his son, Barton; his daughter, Carol Feirick; her husband, Jeffrey Feirick; and his two grandsons, Thomas and Roderick Feirick. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Martha, and his son, Phillip.

A private interment will take place at a future date at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his memory to Traditions Hospice, 1862 Rock Prairie Road, Suite 202, College Station, Texas 77845.  

Hillier Funeral Home

Memoriam

Charles “Chuck” Daniel Norton, Sr.

Charles Daniel “Chuck” Norton, Sr., CMSgt (ret) 79, of Hawkinsville, passed peacefully away on Friday, August 3, Memorial Services will be held on Sunday, August 26, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home.  A private interment will be held at Andersonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart of Georgia Hospice Inpatient Care, 1120 Morningside Drive, Perry, Georgia 31069, or to the donor’s charity of choice in memory of Chuck.

Chuck was born on February 16, 1939, in Dillon, South Carolina, to the late Daniel Charles and Maggie Belle Simpson Norton. Not long after his high school graduation, Chuck enlisted in the United States Air Force. His time spent in Vietnam exposed him to the chemical known as Agent Orange, which unfortunately led to health related set-backs that eventually led to his disability. Chuck spent many years following his active duty service working at Robins Air Force Base until he finally retired in 1996. Even in retirement, he continued to dedicate his time assisting disabled veterans receive the benefits that were earned through their sacrifices defending our nation. Chuck was also proud to honor veteran’s through his time as a Service Officer for the VFW Post 6077 in Hawkinsville for twenty years. We thank you for your service.

Left to cherish the memories they shared with Chuck are his loving and devoted wife, Dovie Stewart Norton; his children, Charles D. Norton, Jr., and Trina McDaniel (Danny); his grandchildren, Miranda McDaniel, Christa McDaniel, and Shelby Norton; brothers, Carl Norton and Jim Norton; many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of longtime friends.

Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com.

Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Born: February 16, 1939
Place of Birth: Dillon, SC
Death: August 3, 2018
Place of Death: Perry, GA

AMMO News

National AMMO Day

 

Thanks to Jimmy Taylor for all the hard work and to the guys in the AVA who initiated National AMMO Day. The proclamation will serve as a perpetual reminder to all AMMO Troops – – past, present and future – – that the AMMO Flame is burning brightly and will never be extinguished. 

Memoriam

CMSgt Joseph S. Wata, USAF (retired)

chief-Joeseph-wata
CMSgt Joseph S. Wata, USAF (retired)

Ammo Chief Joseph (Joe) Wata passed away in Pt. St Lucie, Florida on Monday 14th May 2018 following a short illness. Joe was born April 26th, 1931 in Torrington, Connecticut. He is survived by his wife of 21 years Helga and his son Joel, daughter Lindsay and son in law Mark; also his stepchildren Barbara, Annette and Shirley. His cremains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia with full military honors at a future date; to be confirmed later.

Chief Wata enlisted in the fledgling United States Air Force in 1948; graduating from Primary Armament School in January 1949; after a career in Ammo/Munitions he retired in February 1970 having been promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in 1968.

Post retirement from the USAF, Joe returned to the UK and worked for some years at RAF Upper Heyford, where he was prominent in the Retired Affairs Office as Director. Later he would relocate and settle in Florida, where he met and married Helga. They initially lived for many years in Palm Beach Gardens before finally settling in Port St Lucie. During this time he volunteered and continued to serve as Director of the Retired Affairs Office at West Palm Beach.

Chief Wata was a life time member of the Ammo Chiefs Association (Membership Number 39) and has been posthumously awarded the Order of the Shell and Flame.