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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Ronald E. Brockman

Honoree's Name: Ralph Edwin Brockman

Ralph Brockman's love of aviation began with his 1942 enlistment as an Aviation Cadet in the United States Army Air Corps to serve his Country during World War II. This Missouri farm boy, better known to his comrades and co-workers as Brock, had never been near any aircraft in his life, but he studied hard and was successful in his goal to become a pilot.
Ralph's first solo flight was in a P-19 Trainer at Chickasha, Oklahoma on October 16,1943 and he went on to master larger military aircraft such as the BT-13, UC-78, B-24 and B-25. He became a multi-engine flight instructor and trained several crews until the war ended. Upon his return to civilian life, he became acquainted with a neighbor who was in charge of personnel for the Central Region of the CAA who encouraged him to apply for an Air Traffic Control position.
Ralph became an Assistant Controller working in the tower at Kansas City Municipal Airport and then Assistant Controller in the Enroute Air Traffic Control Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
He also served in the Air Force Reserve and was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict. He fulfilled a 21 month tour of duty with the 11th Air Rescue Squadron based at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. He piloted SB-17 aircraft, bombers that had been converted to carry lifeboats and lifesaving equipment in their bomb bays, and it was their job to protect a large section of the Pacific ocean from Oahu and other exotic airstrips like Wake Island, Johnson Island, and Kwajalein.
Upon completion of his active duty, Ralph returned to his position with the CAA (and later the FAA) where he was promoted to Controller, Senior Controller, Planning Specialist, Airspace Specialist, Operations Specialist, Assistant Branch Chief, Chief Controller at the Olathe, Kansas Air Traffic Control Center, and retiring as the Planning Branch Chief of the Kansas City Region of the Federal Aviation Administration. He maintained his Private Pilot License for many years and continued to pursue his love of flying for both his work with the FAA and for pleasure.
Ralph and his wife Donna Mae enjoy their retirement at home in Lee's Summit, Missouri. One of Brock's most vivid memories from his long career is that President Richard M. Nixon's plane was flying in his airspace at precisely 12:00 Noon on the day of Nixon's resignation when its call sign changed from Air Force One to another USAF identification number on his way home to California in disgrace.
Proudly submitted for recognition by his children, Kathy Brockman Ralls and Ronald E. Brockman.