RODWICK JOSEPH

WO1 Joseph Rodwick was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 02/19/2021 at the age of 81.5
Albuquerque, NM
Flight Classes 66-7 and 66-5
Date of Birth 08/07/1939
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 120 AHC in 66-67
This information was provided by Sammie Williams - Obit

More detail on this person: Joseph (Joe) Rodwick III was born in Boulder, Colorado on 08/07/1939. His parents were Ruth Martin and Joseph Rodwick Jr. Their home was in Lafayette, CO, where Joe Rodwick III was raised and lived until he met his wife and mother of his 3 children, Joyce. Joe Rodwick III leaves behind 3 adult children (Jacqueline, Kelly, and Peggy Sue). Joe Rodwick III leaves behind 7 grandchildren (Christopher, Jonathon, Danielle, Paxton, Colten, Joey, and Lainey). Joe Rodwick III leaves behind 3 great grandchildren (Topher, Diesel, and Leiliana). After meeting and marrying Joyce, they moved to Boulder and lived in a small apartment while he attended college and worked at Ford as a mechanic. He then voluntarily joined the Army during Viet Nam wartime in hopes of learning to fly fixed or rotor wing vehicles (plane or helicopter). He excelled at flying helicopters and was recruited to the 121st Aviation division to serve in Viet Nam from August, 1966 - August, 1967. He received a letter for recommendation of decoration for Valor due to his excellence with maneuvering a Huey helicopter while under siege by enemy fire, safely navigating through mountainous and torturous terrain, and ability to manage the Huey during torrential and extreme weather. Joe returned to the States to become a Chief Warrant Officer and flying instructor. He then moved to Albuquerque, NM with Joyce in 1969. Joe worked as a Loan Officer with First National Bank in Albuquerque. He stayed with the organization through its many mergers and retired from banking at age 62. He lived in Albuquerque the entire duration and lived a quiet, peaceful life. His death was sudden and unexpected - he was fully independent to the end. He will be greatly missed but we will see him again, :-).

Burial information: Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Albuquerque, NM

This information was last updated 03/01/2021

Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters

Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list

Return to VHPA web site

Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024