John Stanley Cordero Sr.

Brig. Gen. John Cordero (Ret'd) was born in Santa Barbara, California in 1924. His ancestors were among the earliest Spanish colonizers in California arriving alongside the missionaries prior to the American Revolution. As a youngster he loved to swim in the Pacific Ocean and make model airplanes.

John was about to turn 17 when Pearl Harbor was attacked and the US entered World War II. He swore that he would fight in this war as soon as he was able to join.

In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was a ball turret gunner and then gunnery instructor on the B-29 Super Fortress. At one point he was assigned to recruit WACs. He found himself in New Orleans where he met a beautiful young Elsie Sbisa working at the Port of Embarkation. After a few years of long distance courtship, they were married on December 31, 1945. They were married for 63 years and had two children, John Jr. and Maria (Stambaugh). There is one grandchild, Zoe Stambaugh, who made her “Paw Paw” so proud. Elsie and John Jr. both passed away in 2009.

He was a resident of Metairie for 60 years and lately of Algiers Point.

John’s military career was long and varied. He served continuously in the USAAF, USAFR, LA ANG, and Louisiana Military Department for 50 years until his retirement as a Brigadier General in 1992. He was selected for meteorology training early in his career, which led to his advancement from Master Sergeant to Commissioned Officer. It also provided for his civilian profession. As a military Meteorologist, John fondly remembered his 13 years as Commander of the 122nd Weather Flight (Squadron level Command) and 3 years as a 920th Weather Reconnaissance Group (Hurricane Hunters) Staff Weather Officer as particularly rewarding. John was on active duty during World War II, the Korean War and Desert Shield.

John was a staff meteorologist and Director of Forensic Meteorology for Nash Roberts Consultants (remember when you trusted hurricane forecasts!) Well known for his accuracy and vast knowledge, John retired after 31 years. John was also certified as an expert in meteorology in federal and civil district courts of the states bordering the Gulf of Mexico, where he provided expert testimony on a multitude of high profile court cases. He continued as a freelance forensic meteorologist after his time with Nash.

His favorite freelance job was as the Official Jazz Fest weatherman providing notated weather conditions to Quint Davis for 12 years. He had one of the best seats in the house from his office atop the grand stands.

During his retirement he had the pleasure of working with an outstanding team of veterans for over 20 years as they reconstructed various military aircraft and artifacts for the Jackson Barracks Military Museum.

John’s later years involved charming all he met and offering a glass, or two, or perhaps more, of red wine and his famous “Air Force” hug.

A memorial service will be held at the Ansel M. Stroud Jr. History & Weapons Museum at Jackson Barracks on April 14, 2018 at 2:00PM. Jackson Barracks, Area C, 4209 Chenault Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70117.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Jackson Barracks Military Museum (https://geauxguardmuseums.com/).