ERIC FRANCIS REICHELT

LTC. ERIC FRANCIS REICHELT U.S. Army (Ret.) Passed away at his home in Panama City, Florida on November 22, 2012, at age 79. He is preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Constance. LTC Reichelt was born in Liberec, Czechoslovakia on January 25, 1933, the son of Frank and Cecilia (Helget) Reichelt. He entered the U.S. Army through the Alien Enlistment Act at age 19, rising through the enlisted ranks to become an officer in the U.S. Army Armored Cavalry. In 1957, he became a proud United States citizen. He served tours of duty in both Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the Silver Star for his distinguished service to his country. He received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Omaha, and a Master's Degree in German Language and Literature from American University. He utilized his considerable language skills as an Assistant Professor and Executive Officer in the Department of Foreign Languages at the United States Military Academy, West Point, from 1971 to 1974. Upon his retirement, Eric founded his own company, Tech-Pro, specializing in design and construction of rapid deployment air strips for the U.S Air Force. He also pursued his many passions, including designing and building his dream home, reading military history, woodworking, painting, photography, miniature soldiers, boating, antiquing and playing poker with his many friends. He was a gourmet chef and accomplished gardener. His greatest loves were his Yorkshire Terriers, his family, and his adopted country. Eric is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen O'Brien Reichelt, of Panama City, Florida, and his children, Eric Reichelt, Jr. of Seattle, WA, Susanne Lamb of Middleburg, VA, LTC (Ret.) Richard Reichelt of Lanexa, VA and Marilyn Magaldi of Katy, TX as well as eight beloved grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at Memorial Chapel, Ft. Myer, VA at 10:45 a.m., February 20, 2013 followed by interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, 107 West 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405. For details, visit www.kentforestlawn.com or www.everlyfuneralhomes.com.