COKER TERRY J

1LT Terry J. Coker was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 10/05/2020 at the age of 77.4
Naples, FL
Flight Classes 68-18 and 68-30
Date of Birth 05/18/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with D/15 TC in 69-70, 1 CAV, D/15 TC
Call sign in Vietnam SUNNY DAY 5
This information was provided by Sammie Williams - Obit

More detail on this person: Upon graduation from Tallassee High School in 1961, Lt. Col. Coker earned a bachelor's Degree in Psychology and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force from Auburn University in 1966; and he earned a Master's Degree in System's Management from the University of Southern California in 1974. Lt. Col. Coker's military educational background includes the Transportation Officer's Basic and Advanced Courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and numerous procurement courses. His assignments included duties as a Squadron Section Commander in the U.S. Air Force; and helicopter pilot, instructor pilot, aircraft maintenance officer, and procurement officer in the U.S. Army. Lt. Col. Coker served a combat tour in Vietnam in 1969 - 1970 with the 1st Calvary Division (Air-Mobile). He retired from the U.S. Army on June 30, 1986. During his active military service, Lt. Col. Coker's decorations and badges were numerous. He earned a Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and a Master Army Aviator Badge. Upon retirement, Lt. Col. Coker served as the Senior Army Instructor at several high schools: Cypress Lake (1986 - 1989), Goshen (1989 - 1992), and Barron Collier (1992 - 1998), and began the JROTC Program at Gulf Coast (1998 - 2009). During his tenure in Collier County, Lt. Col. Coker's cadets at both Barron Collier and Gulf Coast High Schools earned the designation of Honor Unit with Distinction during every Cadet Command Formal Inspection. Seven cadets were awarded Senior ROTC Scholarships and 8 cadets received appointments to Service Academics with 4 being West Point. His goal was to motivate and give direction to young people to become better Americans by emphasizing citizenship, leadership, and patriotism. Lt. Col. Coker was a devoted family man, and always made time for his family.

Burial information: Greenwood Cemetery, Montgomery, AL

This information was last updated 10/19/2020

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024