Major General William "Bill" Acker USAF (Ret.)

Bill Acker,

You are one in million! enjoyed the 16 years we spent each Sommer in Colorad climbing mountains, playing golf together and having great fellowships time with you and Nadine and all your friends at your condo in Winter Park I shall never forget the good favors you did for me during those good 16 years, Bill. Res tin pease, my friend, I shall never forget you and hope to see you in Heaven one of these days!
Jimmy Nickell

Saddened by the news. General Acker was the finest boss I ever served under. He was a caring, compassionate leader who always took care of his troops. He will be missed by all who knew him. Sir, you have done your duty - may you rest in peace. GIL CORONADO, Col, USAF (Ret).

As the Deputy Commandant of the Defense Language Institute English Language Center for five years I had the privilege of serving during General Acker's full tenure at Lackland. He was a gentleman commander to all, regardless of rank or service. His standards were high and subordinates made the extra effort to meet them. I enjoyed an unbelievable relationship with the general in several capacities. For one we jointly entertained numerous senior allied student officers. Inviting them to sail on his sail boat at Canyon Lake while enjoying Churches Fried Chicken was an example and a real hit. I received a letter from an Egyptian General at the Air War College in Alabama - stating his introduction to the USA at Lackland cemented his love for our country better than from anywhere else. Being Army, I was his "purple suit'er." He made me a proud member of the Lackland Family. Professionally and personally he was a true leader and friend. I'm sure everyone serving under him and meeting his standards felt the same way. General Acker and Mrs Acker contributed immensely in making our terminal military assignment a dream come true. Lil and I send our heart felt condolences to Nadine and the Acker family.

I had the good fortune to serve under General Acker when he was Vice Commander of Air Training Command back in the early 1980s. As a Captain I went TDY with him once to a Joint Service Training Conference and helped prep him for this meeting with his service counterparts. I was so impressed with his charisma and his humanity. He had something special. Everybody in ATC respected General Acker. I'll never forget hearing about how when his friend Lt Gen Scott Harpe died how on very short notice he went to General Harpes small hometown in Georgia and gave the eulogy. I was told by a senior officer that "he was a hero that day". He was that kind of man. Condolences to the family. May be rest in peace.

I'm sorry for your loss of Bill. I'm sure your hearts are heavy at this time. May the " God of all comfort" bring comfort to your family (2 Cor 1:3). He will be at rest and in God's memory.

Nadine, I was so sorry and shocked to hear about Bill. We will certainly miss him on this floor, and know how you feel about being without him. It doesn't get great, but time does heal. Call me if I can be of any help to you. Love, Ruby

Unfortunately Dona and I will be in Houston on Tuesday so cannot attend General Acker's Memorial. Bill was one of the most welcoming members of the Daedalians, always with a smile and kind words. He cared about the youth of our nation, exemplified by a letter I received just before we began our selection process to see who we would select for our flying programs, recommending a young man for the program. Your loss is shared by many.