Colonel Alfred J. Reese, Jr. age 82, of Lehighton, Pa., died Friday, March 9, 2007, in his home.
Col. Reese was a 1942 Lansford High School graduate. After graduation he was drafted into the United State Army and began and illustrious Military Career, retiring in 1975 after 32 years of active enlisted and commissioned service. His military career spanned World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam conflict .
A career which included wartime tours of Korea and Vietnam. He served in various parts of the United States, France, and Italy and held responsible positions in the Washington, DC, while stationed at the Pentagon. He specializing is such fields as logistics and Comptrollership, and was a designated U.S. Army Logistician. In Vietnam he commanded an aircraft maintenance and supply battalion of seven companies supporting 1,600 army airplanes and helicopters. He was a Senior Aviator rated in fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. During his last overseas assignment, he served as Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Support Command, Thailand. His last assignment, was as Director of Clothing and Textile at the Defense Personnel Support Center, Philadelphia, Pa. Where he was responsible for procurement, storage, and supply of uniforms and textiles for all Services.
Colonel. Reese attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS and after graduation, remained there on the faculty to teach logistical subjects. He is a 1968 graduate of the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. He is also a graduate of the University of Maryland, where he was elected to the honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
His military decorations include The Legion of Merit with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, The Meritorious Service Medal. The Air Medal, The Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and service awards from three conflicts.
Upon his retirement in 1975 after 32 years of service to the military, Colonel Reese returned home to embark on a career of Civic Concern. He was a member of the English Congregational Church of Lansford, Pa., Lansford, Legion, Amvets, and Masonic Temple #677, all of Lansford, Pa.
His primary civic commitment was that of fostering his Welsh Heritage. He served on the Board and as Past President of the Schuylkill and Carbon counties St. David's Societies. Was the originator of the Society's newsletters, and earned Welsh Citizen of the year in 1986. In 1985 he led the successful effort to restore the Old Welsh Church in Lansford, Pa., which earned him the Ninnau Citation awarded by that leading North American Welsh Newspaper, and served on the Welsh Congregational Preservation Society. In 1986 he was elected to the National Welsh American Foundation, served as President, and helped to form the Pennsylvania Welsh Federation, know consisting of 13 major Welsh-American organizations in the commonwealth.
He received many prestigious honors for his work in promoting his Welsh ancestry and heritage. Born in Lansford, Pa. he was the son of the late Alfred Reese, Sr. and the late Elizabeth (West) Reese.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years Mrs. Faye (Miller) Mitchell Reese;
Two Daughters, Daughter-Mrs. Laurie (Reese) Foley wife of George of York, Pa. Step Daughter-Edith "Dee" Dally wife of Thomas of Tamaqua, Pa.
Three Sons, Son-Maj. Mark Reese, (USAF RET) of Beaver Creek, Ohio Step Son-Mr. John Mitchell & his wife Sally of Weatherly, Pa. Step Son-Mr. Stephen Mitchell and his wife Phyllis of Reedsville, Pa.
Ten grandchildren loving and devoted grandchildren
Sister Mrs. Lousie Walker of Summit Hill, Pennsylvania
Arrangements are being handled by Holmes - Griffiths Funeral Home Inc., 200 E. Bertsch Str, Lansford, Pa., where the family will receive friends from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 14, 2007.
Funeral service will be at Holmes - Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc. at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 14, 2007, Rev. Dr. Wayne Benack officiating.
Military honors will be bestowed at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa. on Thursday March 15, 2007.
Memorials in the Colonels name maybe made to Diakon Hospice St. John, 1201 North Church Street, Suite 403, Building B, Hazleton, Pa. 18202.
Online Condolences and Registry can be sent to www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
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