Allen Duckett - Vietnam War Heroes, Heroes Memorial

Allen Duckett

Vancouver, Washington

August 16, 2010

Age	Military	Rank	Unit/Location
67	Army	Lt Col

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August 23, 2010

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, to touch the face of God" Al Duckett, 67, of Vancouver, WA, passed away August 16, 2010 after a long courageous battle with cancer. A loving hubby, dad, and Opa, he was born in Hickory, NC, son of Leroy and Ethel. He settled in Vancouver in 1983 after a 20-year military career. Al is a retired Army Lt. Colonel and a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including the Bronze Star. Al left Hickory, NC at a young age to join the Army infantry. His first post was in Germany where he met his bride, Heidelore "Heidi". The two married in 1964. Al, always striving to be the best, applied and was accepted into OCS (Officer Candidate School) and flight school in 1966. His twenty year military career included Vietnam 1968-69, a company command at Fort Ord, CA, a post in Mannheim, Germany in the 56th Aviation Company, and a final retirement post at Fort Hood, TX. Al's second career started in 1983 as a pilot for Pacific Power & Light. First flying small prop airplanes and then transitioning to corporate jets. After 16 years, and the closing of the flight department, Al piloted a private Gulfstream IV Jet for another 7 years before a final retirement in 2007. Flying enabled Al to see the world and make many friends along the way. In his short retirement years, Al enjoyed lots of fishing, playing pool (he was a shark), driving his restored 1950 Ford (winning many car show awards) and playing with the grandkids. He was proud to be a member of the "Men In Black", a Military Honor Guard service and helped provide over 750 funeral honors for veterans. Al has left us way too soon, but in his life's journey, he always considered himself very blessed with a wonderful family and great friends. We will all miss you Allen...Al...Schatzi...Dad...Opa.