OBITUARY
FROM: EMERALD COAST FUNERAL HOME
Phone: 850-864-3361 Fax: 850-864-2483
Jerry Rhein
1933 – 2010
Jerry Rhein went to be with the Lord on Feb 15, 2010, at the age of 76.He was born on March 20, 1933 in Vineland, NJ to Edwin and Mildred Rhein. Jerry knew from a young age he was destined to soar with the eagles. At the age of 16 he performed his first solo and received his private pilot’s license. After he attended 2 years at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio he decided to enlist in the Air Force as a Cadet. He graduated with his wings and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in March1955. While he was at Miami University he met and married Jeanne Graham Rhein. During his 20 year career in the Air Force he received many awards and commendations; most notably the Silver Star for his role in the Son Tay Raid, a raid on a POW camp just south of Hanoi, North Vietnam to free American POW’s. He was the last plane out!He was a member of several military affiliations including the Air Commando Association, the Raven's and Quiet Birdman (QB's). In 1997 he was selected to the Air Commando’s Hall of Fame. Upon retirement he continued his quest of flight by flying as a civilian pilot for Bird Air, Britt Airways and as a corporate pilot.
In December 1989 he began volunteering with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department Posse and worked closely with the Traffic unit. This past December he was recognized for 20 years of service and contributing more than 12,000 volunteer hours to the department.He is survived by his son Paul J Rhein and wife Marilou, his daughter Jennifer Seay and husband Randal, and two grandchildren, Jessica and Bobby. He is also survived by his sister Janet Spring and two nieces.
Jerry has completed his final mission. Peach One out.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Hurlburt Memorial Air Park on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation or the charity of your choice. Emerald Coast Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family would like to thank Covenant Hospice for their care during his final days and the Air Commando Association for their help in planning the Memorial Service.
Expressions of Sympathy may be viewed and submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com
Some older CCTers may know of Jerry. He was a member of the Son Tay raid.
Wayne
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Jerry Rhein was my AOC at 20A Long Chien Laos. He is right up to the top of the pile of men I have most respected in my life. He was the pilot's pilot. He did not just climb in to the cockpit of a plane-He appeared to be putting the plane on. I flew with him on a few flights in Chapa-Kao T-28s. Chuckling as I write this I remember the unsure respones from Cricket when he checked in after take off from 20A in clear concise English as Chapa-Kao xx. Anyone on frequency knew damn well that was not a Meo Pilot on the mike.
The whole alternate gang loved working for him. He was so very well respected by all Ravens, Meo (Hmong), Air America and others at our location.
My good fortune was to work directly with him, report to him and assist him in coordinating all aspects of our operation frequently on a daily basis for months.
How can one adequately praise such a man? He was one cool character and I am blessed to have known him.
Buddy Bowden
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