Walter N. Schrecker retired as a Colonel from the United States Air Force after a distinguished career as a pilot, flight instructor and examiner, commander and professor, who also served on the Air Staff at the Pentagon.

In 1966, Schrecker graduated from the Air Force Academy and after just three dates, married Mary Tessmann on the same day of his graduation. In June 2016, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Following pilot training at Craig AFB in Alabama, Schrecker was deployed overseas as a C-123 command pilot in the Vietnam theater of operations.

He returned stateside as a KC-135 pilot at Plattsburgh AFB in New York. Then, with his wife and children, traveled back overseas to fly RC-135s in the 82nd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (“Hog Heaven”) at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan.

In 1975, Schrecker returned to the Academy to teach math as a course director and personnel director after receiving his Masters in Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Colorado.

Next, Schrecker flew in the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Offutt AFB, Nebraska and managed senior officer assignments at Strategic Air Command Headquarters before moving on to command the 349th Air Refueling at Squadron at Beale AFB in California.

After extensive duty at the Pentagon, Schrecker’s final USAF position was Professor of Aerospace Studies and AFROTC Commander at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Schrecker retired a second time after working as a principal for three defense contractors.

Of his more than 6,000 total flying hours, Schrecker spent over 2,500 hours in combat. His decorations include Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 10 Air Medals.

His family is so proud of and grateful for his service to his country.