George Edward Gifford

LTC George Edward Gifford, a distinguished veteran and community leader, passed away on November 19, 2024, in Sugar Land, Texas. He was born on May 26, 1937, in Minot, North Dakota, the youngest of nine children of Olen D. and Ione E. Gifford.

George attended Minot Model School until 1952, when his family relocated to Thief River Falls, Minnesota. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955 and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy from Congresswoman Coya Knutson. He entered the Academy in July 1955, was assigned to the 14th Company following Plebe Summer, and graduated on June 3, 1959, with the Class of 1959. During his time at the Academy, he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Ramae Evenstad, on October 11, 1958, in Camp Springs, Maryland.

Upon graduation, George was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He began his military career at the Lowry Technical Training Center in Denver, Colorado, for Armament/Electronics Officer training. He subsequently entered pilot training as part of the Class of 61-G-1, completing Primary Training at Graham Air Base in Marianna, Florida, and Basic Training at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, where he earned his pilot’s wings in May 1961.

George's early assignments included training in the F-100 Tactical Fighter at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, advanced training at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and survival training at Stead Air Force Base in Reno, Nevada. He joined the 352nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in South Carolina, where he participated in deployments to Aviano Air Base, Italy; Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; and Fort Lewis, Washington. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he deployed with his squadron to McCoy Air Force Base in Florida.

George received further orders to join the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Itazuke Air Base in Japan. He completed checkout in the F-105 Tactical Fighter at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and began flying missions that included frequent deployments to Osan Air Base in Korea for nuclear strike alerts. The unit relocated from Itazuke Air Base to Yokota Air Base, Japan, and later deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in support of the Vietnam War effort.

During his time in Vietnam, George flew 67 combat missions over North Vietnam and Laos with the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron and completed his 100 combat missions with the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, flying his final mission on September 14, 1967. Upon returning to the United States in November 1967, he was assigned to the Air Force Missile Development Center at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, where he supported the testing of the AGM-78 Standard Arm Missile, later utilized for surface-to-air missile suppression in Vietnam.

From 1970 to 1974, George served as a military studies instructor and course director at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He returned to Nellis Air Force Base for training as an F-105 Wild Weasel pilot and later joined the 17th Wild Weasel Squadron at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. After four months, George transitioned to commanding Chandy Gunnery Range in Thailand, collaborating with Royal Thai Air Force personnel.

Following his time in Thailand, George served as an advisor to the 104th Tactical Fighter Group, Massachusetts Air National Guard, at Westfield, Massachusetts. His leadership contributed to the unit’s high state of readiness and successful participation in Red Flag combat training exercises. He concluded his military career at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, as part of the Green Flag training program, retiring on October 30, 1980, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Over his 21-year career, he traveled to all 50 states and 39 countries, receiving two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 10 Air Medals for heroism.

In his second career, George managed the Westfield-Barnes Municipal Airport in Massachusetts for 19 years. He earned recognition as an Accredited Airport Executive in 1985 and served on the Northeast Chapter Board of Directors of the American Association of Airport Executives for a decade. He also served as president of the Massachusetts Airport Management Association for two terms.

George’s commitment to his community was evident through his active involvement in civic organizations. He was a 15-year member of the Rotary Club of Westfield, receiving the Paul Harris Fellow award, and served on the boards of the Westfield Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA. He also held leadership roles in the Major John S. Southry Chapter of the Air Force Association and was a devoted member of the Westfield Evangelical Free Church. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Air Force Association, and the Order of Daedalians. During his time in Sugar Land he served as a starter and marshal at Quail Valley Country Club in Missouri City Texas.

George is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sharon Ramae (Evenstad) Gifford; son George Edward Gifford Jr. (Ed) and wife Polly of Sugar Land, Texas; daughter Julie Dawn Burgess and husband Bill of Austin, Texas; and six grandchildren: Bradley Scott Gifford, George Edward Gifford III (Trey), Alexander Reese Gifford wife Madison, Andrea Lauren Burgess, Dana Grace Burgess and William C. Burgess III and four great-grandchildren: Lyla Jane Gifford, Lyra Renn Gifford, Ryden Blake Gifford, Eloise Ramae Gifford. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings William, Myra, Bud, Carrie, Susan, O.D., Russell and Glen. George was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family deeply.

George lived a life marked by unwavering faith, embodying the principles of love, kindness, and perseverance as a steadfast warrior for Jesus Christ. George's legacy of strength, wisdom, and devotion will forever inspire those who knew and loved him.

The family will gather at the United States Air Force Academy Memorial Pavilion to honor and remember George, where he will be laid to rest at the Academy Cemetery.