In Memoriam
Fallen Heroes 2025–2027
We honor the members, veterans, spouses, and friends of the 20th Fighter Wing Association whose memorials were added to the Association record during this period. Their service, friendship, and contributions remain an enduring part of our shared legacy.
Fred H. O’Hern
Chief Master Sergeant Fred H. O’Hern served the United States Air Force in many capacities during his distinguished career, including service with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Upper Heyford from 1983 through 1990.
Fred was assigned to the 20th Maintenance Squadron and was a longtime member of the 20th Fighter Wing Association. He is remembered for his service, generosity, humility, and devotion to his family, community, and country. Fred passed away on November 27, 2024, at the age of 82.
Arley “Gator” McRae
Colonel Arley “Gator” McRae served the United States Air Force during a distinguished 30-year career, including service with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Wethersfield from 1961 through 1964.
Gator was assigned to the 77th Tactical Fighter Squadron and flew the F-100. A longtime member of the Association, he is remembered for his generosity, humility, and lifelong commitment to his faith, family, community, and country. He passed away on September 28, 2025, at the age of 91.
Adrienne A. McDonald
Adrienne A. McDonald was the wife of longtime Association member Colonel B. Kim McDonald and is remembered as a vibrant member of the F-100 community at RAF Wethersfield.
Adrienne embraced the many moves and experiences of Air Force family life while supporting Kim throughout his career. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family in July 2025.
Jean R. Miller
Jean R. Miller was the wife of past Association member Mike F. Miller. Born in Norfolk, England, Jean met Mike while he was stationed at RAF Wethersfield, where she served as the base librarian and was part of the F-100 community.
Jean and Mike were married for 67 years until his passing in 2022. After returning to Warren, Ohio, Jean earned her GED and became a United States citizen. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family in July 2025 at the age of 90.
Len Deighton
Len Deighton was a renowned author whose Cold War thrillers, including The Ipcress File and Funeral in Berlin, brought documentary-style realism to the espionage genre.
He also wrote acclaimed works of historical fiction set during World War II, including Bomber and SS-GB. Len was a longtime Associate Member of the 20th Fighter Wing Association. He passed away peacefully in February 2026 at the age of 90.
Sallie Sue Frogge
Sallie Sue Frogge was the wife of longtime Association member Lieutenant Colonel James H. Frogge and is remembered as a vibrant member of the F-100 community at RAF Wethersfield.
As an Air Force wife, Sallie made homes for her family in Texas, England, Germany, and New Mexico. After returning to Tennessee, she taught vocational office skills for 23 years and served as a cheer coach. Sallie passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 14, 2025, at the age of 86.
Kenneth M. Alley
Colonel Kenneth M. Alley served the United States Air Force during a distinguished career, including assignments with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Upper Heyford from 1971 through 1974 and at Shaw Air Force Base from 1997 through 1998.
Ken flew the F-111 and F-16 and was a member of the 20th Fighter Wing Association. He passed away on October 27, 2023, at the age of 75.
Robert Caldwell
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Caldwell served the United States Air Force during a distinguished career, including service with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Upper Heyford from 1972 through 1976.
Robert was assigned to the 55th Tactical Fighter Squadron and flew the F-111. A longtime member of the 20th Fighter Wing Association, he passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, at the age of 85.
George “Pete” Peterson
Colonel George “Pete” Peterson served the United States Air Force during a distinguished career, including service with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Upper Heyford from 1974 through 1976.
Pete served as Wing Assistant Director of Operations and as Vice Commander, flying the F-111. He was a longtime member of the 20th Fighter Wing Association and passed away peacefully at the age of 94.
Jo Anne Hendrix
Jo Anne Hendrix was the wife of longtime Association member Major Will Clayton Hendrix and is remembered as a vibrant member of the F-100 community at RAF Woodbridge.
Jo Anne embraced Air Force family life through assignments in Las Vegas, England, and Louisiana. She and Bill were married for more than 60 years. Following a courageous battle with ALS, Jo Anne passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 26, 2025, at the age of 83.
George Bristol
Colonel George Bristol served the United States Air Force during a distinguished career, including service with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Wethersfield from 1955 through 1958.
George was a pioneering aviator who flew the F-100 and was a longtime member of the 20th Fighter Wing Association. He passed away peacefully in March 2025 at the age of 93.
Ronald Jay Wenger
Staff Sergeant Ronald Jay Wenger served the United States Air Force during a distinguished career, including service with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Wethersfield from 1954 through 1957.
Ron was assigned to the 77th Tactical Fighter Squadron and helped maintain the F-100. A longtime member of the Association, he is remembered for his service, generosity, humility, and devotion to his family, community, and country. He passed away on April 21, 2024, at the age of 88.
Abby Ellen Skilling
Abby Ellen Skilling was the wife of longtime Association member Lieutenant Colonel David Skilling and is remembered as a vibrant member of the F-100 community at RAF Wethersfield.
Abby supported her family through assignments in the United States and overseas. She also built a distinguished career of her own, including work with Lockheed Martin as executive assistant to the head of the F-22 Raptor program. Abby passed away surrounded by family on February 24, 2025, at the age of 84.
Lee Dodd
Lieutenant Colonel Lee Dodd served the United States Air Force during a distinguished career that included service with the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing at Nellis Air Force Base.
Lee flew the F-111 and maintained a strong interest in the affairs and history of the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing. He was an Associate Member of the Association for many years.
John Engles
John Engles spent much of his Air Force career in Strategic Air Command as a navigator aboard the nuclear-capable FB-111.
His assignments included Nellis, Offutt, Plattsburgh, Upper Heyford, and Kirtland Air Force Bases. His service and connection to the F-111 community are respectfully remembered.
Jan B. Andre
Jan B. Andre served proudly as a United States Air Force fighter pilot for 20 years, with assignments throughout the United States and overseas.
His service included duty as an instructor pilot and as a Forward Air Controller during the Vietnam War. His honors included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 14 clusters.