Brigadier General Dennis J. Kerkman served his country and contributed to the advancement of aviation through a 35-year career as a Regular Air Force, and later Air National Guard, officer, and as a civilian aviator. Flying career in brief:
A farm boy from Wisconsin, he attended Parks College of Saint Louis University, majoring in Aeronautical Engineering and graduating in 1962 when he was commissioned through the AFROTC Program a Reserve 2nd Lieutenant. Completed pilot training in the T-37 and T-38 aircraft at Webb AFB, TX; and F-100 Super Sabre Combat Crew Training at Luke AFB, AZ. First flew the "Hun" operationally with the 20th TFW, 79th TFS "Tigers," at RAF Woodbridge, U.K., with a primary mission of nuclear war deterrence, from October 1964 to March 1968, accepting a Regular Air Force commission in November 1965. Second Hun tour was in the conventional warfare role with the 35th TFW, 352nd TFS at Phan Rang AB, Republic of Vietnam, March 1968 to February 1969, where he was an IP and flew 231 combat missions. Then, after leaving the Air Force, he sold light airplanes and flew the F-105 with the 119th TFS of the New Jersey ANG. He then, moved to Puerto Rico for six years, intending to start his own business and flew F-104s with the 156th TFG Puerto Rico ANG. Instead of building his own business, he ended up working at Interstate Air Service, a Fixed Base Operator; became Asst. Director of Aviation for the Puerto Rico Ports Authority; then Station Manager and Asst. General Manager for Shamrock Air, a C-46 cargo operator; and then, finally, went to Tucson to finish his flying career. There, he flew during the A-7D and F-16 eras of the ANG's 162nd Fighter Group/ Wing, rising to Wing Commander, before becoming Commander of the Air National Guard of Arizona. Retired with 20 years service with the Arizona ANG and just over 35 years of total service, effective on 30 August 1997.
Awards and Decorations include, but are not limited to: Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w nine Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal w Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w two Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal; and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
In retirement, Dennis, aKa "Denny" or simply "The Mule," was proud to become an early on member of the Super Sabre Society in 2006. He flew west on 23 November 2013 and will be sorely missed by a host of Hun Drivers, friends, and family.