Robert Matthew Laskey

Robert was born in Philadelphia, PA to John Laskey and Sophie Leukacewicz. He attended Holy Trinity Grammar School and Southeast Catholic High School. After completing the tenth grade, he dropped out of school in favor of the Air Force. He enlisted January 9, 1948, and completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas. Upon completion of the Aircraft and Engine Mechanic Course at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, he was assigned to Nellis AFB, Nevada. There he performed maintenance on such aircraft as the T-6, P-51, B-25 and B-26, and in 1950 became a B-26 flight mechanic.

On November 24, 1951, he married Beverly Johnson, daughter of William Johnson and Emily Wallace of Las Vegas, Nevada. Shortly thereafter, he was sent to Brady Field, Japan, and during the Korean Conflict, he performed duties as a C-46 instructor flight mechanic assigned to the 315th Air Division.

He returned to the United States in 1952 and was assigned to Memphis Municipal Airport, Tennessee. He completed C-119 conversion training at that time.

In August 1953, he was transferred to Ardmore AFB, Oklahoma. His son, William, was born there in 1953 and a daughter, Teresa, in 1955. While stationed at Ardmore AFB, Oklahoma, his talents as an instructor and administrator were recognized and in 1956, he was selected as one of the first four flight engineers in the Air Force to receive training in the C-130. After completing the course of instruction at Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, Marietta, Georgia, he was tasked with the responsibility of setting up the aircrew-training program for the C-130.

In 1958, the family transferred to Stewart AFB, Tennessee. In 1960, he was selected as part of the original cadre to establish the 4442nd Combat Crew Training School for C-130 aircrews. In 1961, another daughter, Mary Lee, was born.

After successfully completing both the High School and College GED tests, he enrolled at Middle Tennessee State University in 1964, and in 1969 obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science with a minor in secondary education.

In 1967, the Air Force acquired the C-7A aircraft from the Army; he was selected to head a team to establish flying lesson plans, and rewrite the Army C-7A Manuals to Air Force Specifications. This indirect contribution to this nation's effort in Southeast Asia is documented by the performance of both the C-130 and C-7A aircraft and aircrews.

During the 10 years the family was stationed at Stewart AFB, Tennessee, they participated in every facet of activity the base had to offer, in addition to school and church activities.

In 1969, he was assigned as the first flight engineer advisor to the Royal Saudi Air Force. In this responsible position, he distinguished himself by meritorious service. There he displayed extraordinary diplomacy, tact and good judgement while achieving outstanding results. As the senior NCO of a joint USAF/US Army detachment, he displayed superior executive ability in such diverse jobs as First Sergeant, Motor Vehicle Officer, Mess Steward, Theatre Officer, Passport Monitor, and Transient Aircraft Super¬visor. He established and maintained the highest rapport with such organizations as the US and UK Embassies and various US contractors whose activities touched on his duties. Extraordinarily able to express himself in both written and verbal communications he was often called upon to brief many distinguished visitors.

In August 1970, he was assigned to Forbes AFB, Kansas. The 313th Tactical Airlift Wing was acquiring its second squadron, the 38TAS. Again, a demand for an accelerated training program was needed. A strong training program was initiated and he was able to attain the desired level of proficiency in the minimum allotted time.

In addition to his normal duties, he was a member of the Board of Directors for both the Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association and the Forbes Federal Credit Union. He was also a member of the Non-Commissioned Officers Graduates Association and Top Three Council. He was active in both civic and church activities and received a number of highly favorable letters of appreciation for his efforts to better relations between the military and civilian populous.

He performed a variety of tasks and having flown as an aircrew member for 23 years, had the opportunity to travel widely not only throughout the United States, but to most of the nations of the world as well. He had a well rounded background and experience which provided him with an excellent grasp of the problems and challenges of the Air Force and gave him the ability to express himself well and establish rapport easily.

Robert is survived by his two daughters, Teresa Mills and Mary Lee Huntsman; six grandchildren, Jesse, Shane, CJ, and Cheyenne Huntsman, Robert Mills, Shawn Laskey, as well as 16 great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Robert will be held Monday, May 2, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123. A funeral service will occur Monday, May 2, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123. A committal service will occur Monday, May 2, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Palm Eastern Cemetery, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Laskey family.