KIRCHNER ALFRED H

LTC Alfred H Kirchner was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 07/19/2006 at the age of 74.2
Palm Coast, FL
Date of Birth 05/15/1932
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with A/1 AVN 1 INF in 66-67
This information was provided by SSN search 090108

More detail on this person: Alfred Henry Kirchner, Jr. Palm Coast, FL - Alfred Henry Kirchner, Jr. peacefully passed away on June 19, 2006 in Palm Coast, Florida from complications of kidney failure. Alfred Henry Kirchner, Jr. (Jake) was born in Alexandria, Virginia on May 15, 1932. He was the son of Lelia Gooch Kirchner and Alfred Henry Kirchner. He has two sisters Hazel and Libby. Libby had passed away a few years ago. Jake's religion was Presbyterian, and he attended the Presbyterian Church. Growing up, he played sports, and worked at a gas station. In school, he played football, baseball, and ran track. Jake completed school, and graduated from high school in Alexandria, Virginia in 1951. He then joined the United States Army when he was in his late teens. Soon after, he married Peggy Ann Freeman on February 18, 1956 at the Chapel 5 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Jake and Peggy had been married for fifty years. Jake was second lieutenant USAR on August 11, 1953, first lieutenant AUS on March 11, 1955, Captain AUS on September 17, 1959, Captain USAR on August 16, 1960, and Major AUS on November 6, l964. Jake's Military Occupational Specialties were Light Aviation Officer on January 28, 1955, Army Aircraft Maintenance Officer on April 21, 1960, Nuclear Weapons EMP on September 14, 1962, Parachutist on January 15, 1963, Administration Officer on February 11, 1963, Commanding Officer Company A-69th Medium Tank Battalion, December of 1953. Jake's specialties were a Parachutist, and Army Aviator, a Senior Army Aviator, a Senior Parachutist, and an Aviation Engineer. Jake's education consisted of High School in Alexandria, Virginia, The Engineer School, Physical Training School, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Gary Air Force Base, Texas, Army Air Force Helicopter School, the Eleventh Air Borne School, Transportation School, Engineering School for twenty-nine more weeks, and Duke. Jake's foreign services were USAREUR on April 9, 1959, Greenland on September 4, 1960, Greenland (NTC) on August 9, l961, USARSOUTH_COM on August 2, 1966, USARPAC-Vietnam on September 10, 1966. Some of Jake's duties performed were Unit Officers Training Center Pilot, Army Pilot, Bn Helicopter pilot, Helicopter pilot, Flight Commander Base Flight, Casual, Plat LDR, Co. Commander, Maintenance Officer, Administration O Acd Rec Maintenance Br Stu Supervisor Division Secretary Officer (2) Assistant Secy, Rotary Wing Aviator w/dy sta Colombia, Rotary Wing Aviator, Stu Officer UH-1, and an Avn Gp. Jake also worked nine months for Capitol Airlines as a Transportation Agent. Jake's awards were NDBM, Army Aviator Badge, Parachute badge, Good Conduct Medal, Senior Parachute Badge, Commander Ribbon w/MP, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Commander Ribbon First Bronze, Oak Leaf Cluster 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. AFEM, AFRM, Vietnam Service Medal, NDSM (1st OLC), Air Medal, AM (1st OLC), AM (2nd OLC), AM (3rd OLC), Purple Hearts, Disti Flying Cross, VN Camp Mdl, OFC (1st OLC), "Frozen Order of Hairy Eared Arctic Engineers": certificate proof upon entering the arctic circle, and the Meritorious Service Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Alfred H. Kirchner, Jr. for February 1952 to February 1972. During that period, Colonel Kirchner served in various oversea and statewide assignments of great responsibility. Colonel Kirchner's outstanding performance of duty throughout that period represents achievement in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the Third United States Army. Jake fought in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and carried out very many army services for twenty years. After retiring from the United States Army on May 4, 1972, as Lieutenant Colonel, Jake went to work for Metropolitan Insurance Company in Savannah, Georgia. At Metropolitan he completed many courses such as Property and Liability License training, The Discipline of Management, Personal Notary. Jake was given certificates at Metropolitan for outstanding sales and services during l975, l976, l978, and l979. Jake also received the Professional Management Award for Outstanding Management Accomplishment during l979 and l980. Jake won the Regional Leader in l980. Jake achieved #1 Sales Manager in l982. Jake's recognition at Metropolitan earned him another retirement after ten years. Jake moved to Midway, Georgia. There he enjoyed his retirement and met many close friends at the river. The next move for Jake was to Richmond Hill, Georgia. He was able to be closer to his family. In April of 2002, Jake moved to Palm Coast, Florida. This is where he enjoyed many summer vacations with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren. The summer weather kept him warm. Jake took many trips with his family in the motor home to the Florida Keys and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Florida was Jake's retirement home. Jake was soon diagnosed with lung cancer, and was able to become free of the cancer. He kept his humor going, but most importantly he kept his family going. Jake even gave away his blessed granddaughter, Kathlyn, on June 25, 2006 at her wedding. Jake's mission was complete. Jake was the best dad, grandfather, and friend anyone would want. Line up his countless army medals. Medals that depict his courage and honor his accomplishments. Line up his diplomas. From Duke to countless army training and flight school completions. Line up his awards for engineering and his accomplishments with Metropolitan Life. Line up his loving family. They could tell you how great of a man he was. All these things lined up cannot even begin to describe the person this Earth has lost. From a decorated Veteran to an obedient Man of God none of these words will do him justice. As Jake walks with God, let us celebrate, and remember the example he has set for us. God Bless. He is survived by his wife Peggy, his sister Hazel, his two children Susan and Joy, and his three grandchildren Kristin, Kathlyn, and Elizabeth. Visitation will be at Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel Friday, July 22, 2006 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday July 22, 2006 at 12:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Abbey West. Donations can be made to Hospice of Flagler/Volusia Counties. Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel

Burial information: Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery, Savannah, GA

This information was last updated 01/30/2019

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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