Eddie J. "Skip" Skipper

Eddie “Skip” Skipper was born in Pelly, Texas to Eddie Shaw Skipper and Nettie Jo (Wimberley) Skipper on March 3, 1943.  The family moved to California when Skip was a baby.  They lived in a few locations in CA before settling in San Bernardino, where he grew up. 

He left Pacific High School at the age of 16 to join the Air Force (forged his birth certificate; a bad forgery at that).  Skip very proudly and honorably served his country from Nov 16, 1959-Dec 31, 1979, accomplishing great achievements and awards along the way.  He retired at the rank of Master Sergeant.  It was evident that he was proud to have served in the capacity he did. 

July 1964-June 1965:

756 Radar Squadron, Finland AFS, Minnesota

Airman in Charge, Base Communications Center.  Promoted to Staff Sergeant (youngest for that grade and 29150 AFSC, within the USAF)

April 1965-June 1966:

Southeast Asia; Special Activities

July 1966-November 1969: 

1956 Comm Group, Det 1, North Camp Drake, Japan; Special Activities

December 1969-November 1970:

92nd Bomb Wing, Fairchild AFB, Washington; Superintendent, Comm-Electronics Operations Division

November 1970-December 1971:

Shemya AS. Aleutian Islands, Alaska; Special Activities

January 1971-May 1973:

379th Bombardment Wing, Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda, Michigan; 29190 Chief, Record Communications Division. Supervision and management of Base Telecommunications Center, COMSEC Account, Telephone Switchboard Operations

July 1973-June 1978:

1962 Comm Group, Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan. 29190 Group Chief Record Communications Branch.  Supervision of 183 civilian and military personnel in Base Telecommunications Center, 313 Air Division/18TFW Communications Terminal, Military Airlift Command ACP Communications Terminal, ADOT Communications Terminal, SAC Communications Center, Telephone Switchboard Operations, Technical Control Facility, Radio Operations, COMSEC Account and Traffic Analysis Section.

July 1978-December 1979:

1965 Comm Group, Norton AFB, CA  29190 Group Superintendent, Comm-Operations Division.

After retiring from the USAF, he worked for various companies (US West, ITT Business Communications, Battels Hardware & Tool Company). He then became self-employed, building computer systems for private parties and then on to become a Tax Preparer.  He truly enjoyed helping people in this capacity.

He and his wife, Rosanne, moved to Florida in May 2004, where he finally retired for good.  Skip loved visiting Disney Parks in CA and in FL where people watching “in the happiest place on earth” was very entertaining.  He enjoyed the happy environment found therein.  Having his beloved dog(s) near or in his lap also brought great joy and comfort.  Guitars, both playing and collecting them, were another favorite of Skip’s.  At home, he would always have one at hand.  He enjoyed the outdoors, dancing, dressing nicely.  His church family and the fabulous brunches they put on made the man happy.  His broad smile is very memorable!

We salute you, Skip, and know that you are freed from your earthly pains and restored to perfect health in the presence of God.  Welcome home, dear one, welcome home….

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