In Memory of Ron Kellerman
Donation protected
With great sadness, we inform our fellow Air Commandos about the recent death of our Special Tactics/Special Operations Weather Technician (SOWT) Friend, Teammate, Mentor, Leader and true BROTHER: Ron Kellerman- RHK.
RHK was killed on 29 March 2020 at his home on Roatan island in Honduras - Details are still being compiled.
Ron was a key leader in SOWT for many years, serving at Fort Bragg, Rheinmain, and Hurlburt Field. He was a Master Parachutist, Military Freefall Jumpmaster, and recognized communications expert. He was a plank holder Detachment and Team Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) with the 10th Combat Weather Squadron, and later served at both the 720th Special Tactics Group and HQ AFSOC. Following a full and illustrious military career, he transitioned to a civilian GS position at AVTEG and served the nation in a highly critical role there for over 15 years until recent retirement just a few months ago.It's fair to say he directly influenced everyone in the SOWT specialty. The tributes we are seeing to him are overwhelming. The word "Mentor" is woven in to nearly every single post. I've known him since 1986 and I have never heard even one negative word said about him. He was one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet and was loved by all who knew him.
Ron's influence and expertise extended far beyond the borders of the SOWT community, and his significant accomplishments and contributions to Air Force Special Operations as a whole were recognized in 2005 when he was inducted into the Air Commando Hall of Fame, click here to read his citation.
His wife Maria is currently in Spain with her mother - Efforts are in progress to get all the pieces and parts squared away with her movement, security of their house, etc. I have spoken with Maria, and I let her know we loved Ron and we love her - And will do everything we can to assist her however possible.
(Ron and his wife Maria at Castillo Montjuïc with Barcelona in the background)
RHK was killed on 29 March 2020 at his home on Roatan island in Honduras - Details are still being compiled.
Ron was a key leader in SOWT for many years, serving at Fort Bragg, Rheinmain, and Hurlburt Field. He was a Master Parachutist, Military Freefall Jumpmaster, and recognized communications expert. He was a plank holder Detachment and Team Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) with the 10th Combat Weather Squadron, and later served at both the 720th Special Tactics Group and HQ AFSOC. Following a full and illustrious military career, he transitioned to a civilian GS position at AVTEG and served the nation in a highly critical role there for over 15 years until recent retirement just a few months ago.It's fair to say he directly influenced everyone in the SOWT specialty. The tributes we are seeing to him are overwhelming. The word "Mentor" is woven in to nearly every single post. I've known him since 1986 and I have never heard even one negative word said about him. He was one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet and was loved by all who knew him.
Ron's influence and expertise extended far beyond the borders of the SOWT community, and his significant accomplishments and contributions to Air Force Special Operations as a whole were recognized in 2005 when he was inducted into the Air Commando Hall of Fame, click here to read his citation.
His wife Maria is currently in Spain with her mother - Efforts are in progress to get all the pieces and parts squared away with her movement, security of their house, etc. I have spoken with Maria, and I let her know we loved Ron and we love her - And will do everything we can to assist her however possible.
(Ron and his wife Maria at Castillo Montjuïc with Barcelona in the background)Ron and Maria's good friend SMSgt Annie Barrett is our primary POC with Maria right now. She is currently serving as the 25th Operational Weather Squadron Operations Superintendent at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ.
(SMSgt Annie Barrett with RHK)
Due to the current world situation, the flow of information and timeline for any memorial events will be slower than normal.
Funds will be used to assist with the following immediate and short term essentials, as well as ongoing needs of the family: Disposition of his remains, repatriation to the USA, and associated funeral expenses, Transportation for Maria from Spain to the USA and lodging for self-isolation upon her return, Temporary boarding of pets, Ground transportation, Reimbursement for expenses incurred by neighbors, and SOF Community friends on assisting site in Honduras. Additional miscellaneous expenses associated with the above.
More to follow as we learn it - This is a very sad day for all of us.
If you're a former Grey Beret, please join our Facebook Group to connect and stay in contact with the community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/342796712441678/
Due to the current world situation, the flow of information and timeline for any memorial events will be slower than normal.
Funds will be used to assist with the following immediate and short term essentials, as well as ongoing needs of the family: Disposition of his remains, repatriation to the USA, and associated funeral expenses, Transportation for Maria from Spain to the USA and lodging for self-isolation upon her return, Temporary boarding of pets, Ground transportation, Reimbursement for expenses incurred by neighbors, and SOF Community friends on assisting site in Honduras. Additional miscellaneous expenses associated with the above.
More to follow as we learn it - This is a very sad day for all of us.
If you're a former Grey Beret, please join our Facebook Group to connect and stay in contact with the community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/342796712441678/
Organizer
Nick N Jaci
Organizer
Colorado Springs, CO