Kenneth Hawk SLAKER

Kenneth Hawk SLAKER US Air Force, Retired Kenneth Hawk Slaker was born Kenneth Waverly Slaeker on April 14, 1920 to Kenneth and Rosanna Ruth (Hawk) Slaeker in Elderton, PA. He graduated from Vandergrift H.S. Vandergrift, PA in 1938. He succumbed to Alzheimer's disease on August 27 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of his second marriage, Glenna (Buck); his wife of his third and most lasting marriage, Lee Ann (Stanislaus) and his eldest daughter, Elaine Patricia Reed. He is survived by his brother, Richard Slaeker; remaining six children, daughter Pamela Ruth (Reid), sons Jeffery, Timothy, Kenneth, and daughters Lisa (Coffey), Laurie (Castrow), fourteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and the wife of his first marriage, Jane Miller (George). Ken Slaker started his aviation life at Maxwell Field Alabama on December 18, 1941. He graduated USAAC Flying Cadets on July 26, 1942. Upon completion of B-17 training, he and his crew were assigned to North Africa, the European-Mediterranean Theater, 12th Bomber Command, 301st Bombardment Group; 419th Bomb Squadron. He completed 50 missions as aircraft commander from February 1943 to August 1943. Upon completion of war service, he attended the University of Washington. In 1947, he received a regular commission in the US Air Force, and assigned to Furstenfeldbruck Air Base, near Munich, he participated in the Berlin Airlift, gaining notoriety as a downed flyer who escaped the Russian Occupied Zone. He returned to the States, and while with the Air Force, received a bachelor's degree from Washburn University, and a Master's Degree from USC. After a tour in Air University as an ROTC instructor, early in the spring of 1954, he was assigned to the 10th Air Rescue Group, Elemendorf AFB, Alaska. He went on to other technical assignments, most notably as Chief of Nuclear Plans, 38th Tactical Missile Wing, Europe. Lt. Col. Kenneth Slaker retired in 1966 as commander of the AFROTC at the University of North Carolina. Retiring to Normandy Park, Washington, he devoted much time and energy to the Sons of the American Revolution, was the driving force in establishing the Cascade Centennial Chapter, and served not only as chapter president, but also as State President in 1988 and 89; representing the state in SAR national affairs as National Trustee in 2001 and 2002. Although he came of age as a defender of his country, Ken was most proud of his service in the Berlin Airlift and the ARG. For the 60th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, he was feted by the citizens of Berlin, receiving their commendation as a 'Friend of Berlin'. He authored and recounted his experiences often, least we never forget. We thank him for his service. Please sign the online memorial at www.bonneywatson.com.