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We Honor DON GORDON WARD, AFSA Founding member
Join Executive Director, Keith A. Reed, and the entire AFSA family in sharing our heartfelt prayers and condolences on the passing of Don Gordon Ward, AFSA founding member. OCTOBER 3, 1930 – MARCH 5, 2022
---------------------
It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Don. He passed this morning peacefully at 8:20am. As you know, he was one of the founding members in 1961. Dad was very proud of the contribution he was part of and the continuing legacy of excellence the AFSA exhibits daily for its members and mission. Of which, I'm a member too.
He was an AFOSI Agent at the time AFSA was incorporated. He was most proud of his time spent in the Ground Observer Corps (El Paso Texas Filter Center) in the 1950s. Part of OPERATION Sky Watch. With the advancing capabilities in radar detection, the program was retired in 1959. After his Air Force retirement in 1971, Dad started a career in the Dept. of Labor as an Investigator. His accomplishments as part of the Miami Strike Force were to investigate and lead to the prosecution of corrupt Union Bosses who were embezzling money from their members/organizations. During his time assigned to the Louisville, KY area (from 1977-1979), he was part of the Jefferson County Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Oversight Committee. As a result of his devoted service, Dad received a thank you letter from a County Judge/Executive named Mitch McConnell (Senator - KY). After retiring from civil service, Don enjoyed his family, friends, and associates. Dad did receive a visit from Mr. Virgil Perry while passing through Kentucky on vacation. The bond of service to our nation and Air Force lasts a lifetime between service members.
Dad is survived by his wife, Bette Ward. His daughters, Donna Owens, Cindy West, and Judy Kaelin.

Sincerely,
Richard Owens, MSgt (Ret.)
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Air Force Sergeants Association at HQAFSA.org.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/.../lou.../don-ward-10618693

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • AFSA MEMBER LOGIN
    • Board of Directors >
      • Retired Veterans Affairs
      • Family Matters
    • Past Presidents
    • Past Auxiliary Presidents
    • Executive Directors/CEOs
    • Chapters/Divisions
    • Headquarters Staff
    • Scholarships - Apply Support
    • AFSA Donors & Mission Partners
    • DONATE to AFSA
    • AFSA Store
    • AMB Benefactor Tree
    • Advertise & Sponsor AFSA
    • Employment & Volunteer Opportunities
    • Contact Us >
      • General Inquiries
      • Technical Issues
      • Website Content
  • Join AFSA
  • NEWS
    • Veteran Affairs News
    • TRICARE Information
    • Subscribe to AFSA Magazine
    • AFSA Magazine >
      • AFSA Fall 2022 Magazine
      • AFSA Summer 2022 Magazine
      • AFSA Spring 2022 Magazine
      • AFSA Magazine Winter 21-2022
      • AFSA Magazine Fall 2021
      • AFSA Magazine Summer 2021
      • AFSA Magazine Spring 2021
      • AFSA Magazine Winter 2021
      • AFSA Magazine Fall 2020
      • AFSA Magazine Summer 2020
      • AFSA Magazine Spring 2020
      • AFSA Winter Magazine 2020
      • AFSA Fall Magazine 2019
      • AFSA Summer Magazine 2019
      • AFSA Spring Magazine 2019
      • AFSA Winter Magazine 2019
      • AFSA Magazine Fall 2018
      • AFSA Magazine Spring 2018
      • AFSA Magazine Summer 2018
    • AFSA PUBLICATIONS >
      • AFSAGivesBack
    • Videos
  • LEGISLATION
    • Legislative Platform
    • Key Issues
    • Key Accomplishments
    • Action Center
    • Resources >
      • FY22 NDAA Summary
    • LAW 2022 >
      • LAW 2021
      • vLAW 2020
  • Member Benefits
    • AFSA Insurance
    • USAA - Auto and Banking
    • Vietnam Veterans Commemoration
    • Membership Information
    • Shop AFSA
    • Apply for Scholarships >
      • 2020 Scholarship Recipients
      • 2019 Scholarship Recipients
      • 2018 Scholarship Recipients
      • 2017 Scholarship Recipients
      • 2016 Scholarship Recipients
    • EdConnect >
      • EDCONNECT AFRC
      • EDCONNECT Guard Reserve
    • Preferred Learning Partners >
      • Columbia Southern Education Group
      • Waldorf University
    • JROTC and CAP Awards
    • Clear2Connect
    • Military Family Resources
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Disabled Vet Student Loan Help
    • Transition Support and Services >
      • eMentor Programs
      • National Labor Exchange
      • Veterans Job Support
      • Colorado Technical University
      • Oklahoma State University Entrepreneur Programs
    • Debt Destroyer Program
    • Financial Literacy
    • K9s for Warriors
  • Chapter Corner
    • Professional Development
    • AFSA Spirit Gear
    • Important Dates
    • Set It Forever AutoPay Membership
    • CAMPAIGNS >
      • Deployed
      • Family Matters
    • Communications & Marketing Materials
    • Chapter Education Resources
  • AFSA SUMMIT 23
    • USF Charity Golf 2023
    • CONVENTION 22
    • AFSAPEDS21 >
      • AFSAPEDS21 Schedule
    • AFSAPAC2020
    • AFSAPAC19
    • 2018 Professional Development Conference >
      • PAC18 Membership Contest
    • 2017 AFSA Convention >
      • 2017 PAC Award Winners
    • 2016 AFSA Convention >
      • 2016 PAC Award Winners
    • 2015 PAC Award Winners
  • Members LogIn