Alex Woods Jr.

Alex

WOODS JR.

Alex Woods Jr. passed away in a single car crash on January 13, 2009. He was born on the Fourth of July, 1942 in Spokane, WA. He came to Reno after retiring from the Army in 1992 to serve as the Washoe County School District's Director of High School Junior Reserve Officer Corps programs. He was a 1960 graduate of Gonzaga Preparatory High School in Spokane, where he was a star basketball player. Woods went on to Eastern Washington University on a basketball scholarship, graduating in 1964, with a ROTC commission as a Second Lieutenant. Later, he earned his Master's Degree in Education at Wayne State University.

Alex served 28 years on active duty, commanding units from a 40-person platoon to a brigade with over 2,000 service members. His leadership example always emphasized the positive. He believed in teamwork, loyalty, and doing what was right for his subordinates. Woods served two combat tours in Vietnam and seven years in Europe during the Cold War. Among his decorations are the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Master Aviator Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Two Legions of Merit, Two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Silver Star, three Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart, five Meritorious Service Ribbons, 28 Combat Air Medals, and the Air Force and Army Commendation Medals.

In the mid-80s, Col. Woods served as the national marketing director for all US Army ROTC programs. He then went on to command all the college and high school ROTC programs in the five western states before retiring and joining the Washoe County School District. Under his direction, the Washoe County JROTC program earned the highest praise from Cadet Command and designated the best program from the Eastern Seaboard to the West Coast.

Woods had a passion for golf and reigned as the current Northern Nevada Senior Golf Champion. It was on the greens that Woods forged and deepened his legendary friendships. A cheerful slap on the back and bear paw handshake were his trademarks. The outdoors was the only spot big enough to embrace Woods‘ hearty laugh and robust optimism.

On or off the golf course, Woods promoted awareness of the military challenge coins. The coins were awarded for recognition of good deeds and service. Recipients of the Silver State Brigade Coin would find the memento slipped to them in a congratulatory handshake.

Woods was a familiar face at Hot August Nights and various classic auto shows. The beautiful vehicles and the stories behind them transported Woods to his younger years. As he gazed at the classics, Woods would speak of their features, accessories, colors and other details as if he were renewing a friendship.

In spite of his military excellence, golfing expertise and love of classic cars, he was lost in the domestic scene. After work one day, Alex wanted a sandwich. But first he had to call his wife Callie to find out where she kept the bread and fixings. After his snack, Alex would easy into his leather recliner and invite the dogs to join him. When they piled on, this combat veteran would gently run his hands along their soft fur and whisper sweet nothings. So established was this ritual that the dogs continued to hop onto his chair after their buddy passed on.

Woods is survived by his wife, Callie of Reno; mother, Patricia Woods of Spokane, WA.; daughter, Sandy Peters and son, Rob Woods, both of Rocklin, CA; grandchildren, Tylers Peters, Alexxa Peters, Cody Peters, and Gracie Woods of Rocklin, CA; stepdaughter, U.S.A.F. Major Courtney Hamilton of Tuscon, AZ; stepson, Hunter Hamilton of Los Angeles; his former wife, Barbara Woods; and his beloved dogs. Woods was preceded in death by his father, Alex Woods Sr. and his sister, Linda Woods, both of Spokane, WA.

A military memorial was held on January 22, 2009 at Reno High School. Hundreds of mourners and various dignitaries honored their friend. Woods was cremated and his mother was presented with the ashes by his wife, Callie. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be directed to the JROTC District Office, Reno High School. You may also honor Col. Woods by flying the American flag and remembering the American soldier for service to this great country.

Hooah, Sir. We will always remember with gratitude your profound contributions to so many. Rest now, and rest easy. Rest in peace. These proceedings are closed. With honor.