DAVID O. SCHILLERSTROM

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SCHILLERSTROM Colonel DAVID O. SCHILLERSTROM Colonel David O. Schillerstrom of Arlington, Virginia, died on the morning of March 13, 2014 after a 3-month illness. He passed at Capital Caring Hospice, with the day's first light streaming in on him from a nearby window. David had a life-long dedication to his country, to his family, and to his friends. He delighted in his children and his extended family, and was devoted to his wife, Carol, with whom he shared a rare compatibility for more than 62 years. He cherished her most among his life's many blessings. David took tremendous pride in his professional life, and his support was unwavering for those with whom he served and for those whom he mentored. Many colleagues became life-long friends. He nurtured the best in people, and rejoiced in their success. A man of inspiring courage, David met his challenges gracefully and with a wry sense of humor. Mindful of his life's many blessings, he never stopped contributing to the lives of others and to the country he cherished. Born April 28, 1929, in Gibson City, Illinois to Rev. Glen and Ethyl Schillerstrom, David spent his early years in Jacksonville, Illinois, and moved as a teenager to Clarendon Hills when his father became the pastor of the Presbyterian church. He graduated in 1947 from Hinsdale High School, Hinsdale, Illinois, and from the University of Illinois in l954 with a BA in English literature. He earned his MA in public administration from The George Washington University in 1966. Commissioned in 1954, David began his Public Affairs career at Turner, AFB, Albany, GA. He then served at Torrejon AFB, Madrid, Spain, Wright Patterson, AFB, Dayton, Ohio and the Strategic Air Command, Omaha, NE. He was an outstanding graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell, AFB, Montgomery, AL in 1966. From there he went to the Pentagon and then Vietnam. He returned to the Pentagon and remained until 1977, when he left to become Director of Information for SAC. His last assignment was Deputy Director of Information for the Air Force at the Pentagon. He retired in 1984 after 30 years of service. David's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters and Bronze Star. Following retirement, he was the Vice President of Communications for the Aerospace Industries Association for ten years. He was a member of the Army Navy Country Club, The National Press Club, The Military Order of the Carabao, The Air Force Association, and The Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association, which he helped to found. On his retirement, David received a portrait of himself on a mock Airman Magazine cover titled, "Officer, Gentleman, Friend." He was that and more. Everywhere David went and with whomever he interacted, he treated people with respect and kindness. He will be missed not only by his family, friends, and colleagues, but by many of those working in the places he frequented. David is survived by his wife, Carol Schillerstrom; son, David A. Schillerstrom (Luanne Lukes); two daughters, Linda C. Schillerstrom (Steve Schechter); and Karen Brownsword (Derek Brownsword); and many family members in Naperville, Illinois. A brief service will be held at the Old Post Chapel in Fort Myer at 11 a.m., Friday, August 22, 2014, followed by interment with Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Capital Caring Hospice or the .
Published in The Washington Post on Aug. 16, 2014
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