C. M. Sgt. Ret. Donald Lynn Windsor Sr.

C. M. Sgt. Ret. Donald Lynn Windsor Sr. was born on August 24, 1951 in Orange, Texas. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, Port Arthur, Texas in 1969. He went on to attend Lamar University; however, with the Vietnam War in progress, he elected to delay his education to serve his country.

Chief Windsor enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 16, 1970. Following basic training he went to Life Support School at Chanute AFB, III. Where he was the honor graduate.

Chief Windsor’s next assignment was in Southeast Asia where he served with the 40th Air Rescue Recovery Squadron, 18th Special Operations Squadron and with the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron. During this tour of duty he played a vital Life Support role in the accomplishment of a short notice DOD Mission to free our POW’s held in North Vietnam. To support this mission it was necessary for his section to procure and assemble 75 additional sets of protective equipment for air crews within a five day period in a section that was 65% manned.

Chief Windsor returned to the United States and was assigned to the Life Support Section of the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Bergstrom AFB, Texas.

Following active duty Chief Windsor began pursuing a civilian career, but he elected to continue participation with the Air Force Reserve in the Life Support shop of the 924th Tactical Airlift Group at Ellington Field. He continued his civilian occupation working for a major oil company and his Air Force Reserve participation until 1984 when he joined the Air National Guard in the 147th Fighter Group.

Chief Windsor progressed to become the NCOIC of the Life Support Section in 1986 and led his section to a three outstanding “Best Seen to Date” ratings during the unit’s ORI’s and UEI.

Chief Windsor was instrumental in developing a model SAREX Program within the 1st Air Force. During this period Chief Windsor was awarded the Meritorious Service Award, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Adjutant General’s Individual Award. Between 1988 and 1989 Chief Windsor served as ANG Representative on the Tactical Air Command IG Inspection team. In 1989, Chief Windsor was awarded the Air National Guard Life Support NCO of the Year Award.

Chief Windsor has participated in many of the unit’s deployments as well as being the Operations Project NCO for all of the unit’s deployments to Panama in support of Coronet Nighthawk, Sentry Aloha, Alaska and the AEF Deployment to Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In February 1991 the Chief was selected to serve as the Life Support member of the first ever “ALL ANG Accident Investigation Board” at Selfridge ANGB, Michigan. His efforts resulted in many critical directives being published as the effects of wind speed on survival of aircrew members in emergency situations that are still relative today.

Chief Windsor was one of the original Board Members of the 147th Children’s Charity organization which has provided over 70,000 to local children’s organizations through an annual Golf Tournament and Auction.

In 1992 Chief Windsor accepted the position of Air Operations Superintendent. Military Chief Windsor served as the ANG Airfield Manager. He was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant on 01 May 1999.

In 2001 Chief Windsor served as Chairman of the 147th Chief’s Council and President of the Texas Air National Guard Chief’s Council in 2002. Chief Windsor is a Lifetime Member of the National Guard Association of Texas. In Addition the Chief is a member of the Chapter 1062 of the Air Force Sergeants Association and Chapter 14001 of the VFW. He was married to former Adrienne Ford where they resided in Deer Park, Texas.

Chief Windsor is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Adrienne Ford Windsor, children; Donald L. Windsor Jr., Catina M.W. Parker, Holly Kristina Kirkley, Mary Elizabeh Kirkley, brother Ronald Glenn Windsor and numerous nieces, nephews, and many loving friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Edker R. and Sallie Windsor and brother Charles Raymond Windsor.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 9:30 am with a funeral service at 11:00am at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.A committal service to follow to Houston National Cemetery at 12:30pm.