U.S. Air Force Major Phyllis Pelky
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Susana Martinez issued an executive order Friday for flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Monday, Oct. 26, 2015, in honor and mourning of U.S. Air Force Major Phyllis Pelky.
“Our hearts are broken by the loss of a dedicated Air Force officer and former educator,” Martinez said. “Major Pelky gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to her country, and I’ve ordered flags throughout the state to fly at half-staff to commemorate her memory. Major Pelky’s passing stands as a solemn chapter in the long legacy of New Mexicans who have answered the call to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.”
Prior to joining the United States Air Force, Pelky, 45, graduated with distinction from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and taught German and Humanities at Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho.
After 9/11, she wanted to serve her country as an Air Force officer and enrolled in the Officer Training School (OTS). She was commissioned as second lieutenant June 25, 2004 and began her service in Force Support. Her commitment to help others led to her serving and leading the Equal Opportunity Office at Kadena Air Base.
Pelky subsequently pursued her Master’s degree at McGill University in Montréal, Canada, which led to a follow-on tour at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) as an assistant professor of German. Her integrity and service were noticed and admired by all and led to her selection as Aide-de-Camp to the Superintendent of USAFA.
Pelky is survived by her husband of 25 years, Dave, and sons, Zach and Alex and his wife, Brandi, as well as her six siblings: Cathy, Meg, Mary Jo, Janet, Susan and George.
For all who had the privilege of knowing her, Pelky was an inspiration, a sacrificial leader always looking for opportunities to serve, and a moral compass by which all could guide their lives.
Phyllis was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois on February 13, 1970 to Mr. and Mrs. George and Dale Berlin.
Prior to joining the United States Air Force, Phyllis graduated with distinction from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and taught German and Humanities at Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. After 9/11, Phyllis wanted to serve her country as an Air Force officer and enrolled in the Officer Training School (OTS). She was commissioned as second lieutenant on June 25, 2004 and began her service in Force Support. Her commitment to help others led to her serving and leading the Equal Opportunity Office at Kadena Air Base. She subsequently pursued her Master’s degree at McGill University in Montréal, Canada, which led to a follow-on tour at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) as an assistant professor of German. Her integrity and service were noticed and admired by all and led to her selection as Aide-de-Camp to the Superintendent of USAFA.
Phyllis loved her career as an officer, which was only matched by her love for her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Dave, and sons, Zach and Alex and his wife, Brandi, as well as her six siblings: Cathy, Meg, Mary Jo, Janet, Susan, and George.
For all who had the privilege of knowing Phyllis, she was an inspiration, a sacrificial leader always looking for opportunities to serve, and a moral compass by which we all could guide our lives. To her family, she was this and so much more—a nurturing mother, a patient and devoted friend, and a companion whose joy for life will always be remembered and honored.
Visitation, 8:30AM to 9:50AM, Monday, October 26, 2015, at the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00AM, Monday, October 26, 2015, at the USAFA Cadet Chapel.
Burial will follow the Mass at the USAFA Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome and donations in honor of Phyllis may be made to the USAFA Cadet Chapel Program by visiting the USAFA Endowment website (https://giving.usafa.org) and selecting “Select a Fund,” then “Cadet Activity Funds,” and finally, on the bottom left, “Catholic Cadet Chapel.”
May she rest in God’s care.
– See more at: http://www.thespringsfuneralservices.com/obituary/Major-Phyllis-Joy-Pelky-USAF/Colorado-Springs-CO/1553670#sthash.Ux4FBI7f.dpuf
Phyllis was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois on February 13, 1970 to Mr. and Mrs. George and Dale Berlin.
Prior to joining the United States Air Force, Phyllis graduated with distinction from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and taught German and Humanities at Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. After 9/11, Phyllis wanted to serve her country as an Air Force officer and enrolled in the Officer Training School (OTS). She was commissioned as second lieutenant on June 25, 2004 and began her service in Force Support. Her commitment to help others led to her serving and leading the Equal Opportunity Office at Kadena Air Base. She subsequently pursued her Master’s degree at McGill University in Montréal, Canada, which led to a follow-on tour at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) as an assistant professor of German. Her integrity and service were noticed and admired by all and led to her selection as Aide-de-Camp to the Superintendent of USAFA.
Phyllis loved her career as an officer, which was only matched by her love for her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Dave, and sons, Zach and Alex and his wife, Brandi, as well as her six siblings: Cathy, Meg, Mary Jo, Janet, Susan, and George.
For all who had the privilege of knowing Phyllis, she was an inspiration, a sacrificial leader always looking for opportunities to serve, and a moral compass by which we all could guide our lives. To her family, she was this and so much more—a nurturing mother, a patient and devoted friend, and a companion whose joy for life will always be remembered and honored.
Visitation, 8:30AM to 9:50AM, Monday, October 26, 2015, at the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00AM, Monday, October 26, 2015, at the USAFA Cadet Chapel.
Burial will follow the Mass at the USAFA Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome and donations in honor of Phyllis may be made to the USAFA Cadet Chapel Program by visiting the USAFA Endowment website (https://giving.usafa.org) and selecting “Select a Fund,” then “Cadet Activity Funds,” and finally, on the bottom left, “Catholic Cadet Chapel.”
May she rest in God’s care.
– See more at: http://www.thespringsfuneralservices.com/obituary/Major-Phyllis-Joy-Pelky-USAF/Colorado-Springs-CO/1553670#sthash.Ux4FBI7f.dpuf
Phyllis was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois on February 13, 1970 to Mr. and Mrs. George and Dale Berlin.
Prior to joining the United States Air Force, Phyllis graduated with distinction from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and taught German and Humanities at Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. After 9/11, Phyllis wanted to serve her country as an Air Force officer and enrolled in the Officer Training School (OTS). She was commissioned as second lieutenant on June 25, 2004 and began her service in Force Support. Her commitment to help others led to her serving and leading the Equal Opportunity Office at Kadena Air Base. She subsequently pursued her Master’s degree at McGill University in Montréal, Canada, which led to a follow-on tour at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) as an assistant professor of German. Her integrity and service were noticed and admired by all and led to her selection as Aide-de-Camp to the Superintendent of USAFA.
Phyllis loved her career as an officer, which was only matched by her love for her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Dave, and sons, Zach and Alex and his wife, Brandi, as well as her six siblings: Cathy, Meg, Mary Jo, Janet, Susan, and George.
For all who had the privilege of knowing Phyllis, she was an inspiration, a sacrificial leader always looking for opportunities to serve, and a moral compass by which we all could guide our lives. To her family, she was this and so much more—a nurturing mother, a patient and devoted friend, and a companion whose joy for life will always be remembered and honored.
Visitation, 8:30AM to 9:50AM, Monday, October 26, 2015, at the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00AM, Monday, October 26, 2015, at the USAFA Cadet Chapel.
Burial will follow the Mass at the USAFA Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome and donations in honor of Phyllis may be made to the USAFA Cadet Chapel Program by visiting the USAFA Endowment website (https://giving.usafa.org) and selecting “Select a Fund,” then “Cadet Activity Funds,” and finally, on the bottom left, “Catholic Cadet Chapel.”
May she rest in God’s care. – See more at: http://www.thespringsfuneralservices.com/obituary/Major-Phyllis-Joy-Pelky-USAF/Colorado-Springs-CO/1553670#sthash.Ux4FBI7f.dpuf
Governor’s Eecutive Order:
EXECUTIVE ORDER 2015-019
FLAGS FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF IN HONOR AND MOURNING OF U.S. AIR FORCE MAJOR PHYLLIS PELKY
WHEREAS, U.S. Air Force Major Phyllis Pelky died on October 11, 2015, in Kabul, Afghanistan, while serving in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel; and
WHEREAS, Major Pelky was most recently assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she served as aide-de-camp to the superintendent; and
WHEREAS, Major Pelky also previously served her community teaching humanities at Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico; and
WHEREAS, Major Pelky dedicated her career to serving her country and community, both as an educator and U.S. Air Force officer;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Susana Martinez, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of New Mexico, do hereby order that all flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, October 26, 2015, the day Major Pelky is laid to rest, in honor and mourning of her service and sacrifice. The thoughts and prayers of the people of New Mexico go out to Major Pelky’s family, along with our heartfelt gratitude for her service.
SIGNED AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE THIS 23rd DAY OF OCTOBER 2015
WITNESS MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO.
SUSANA MARTINEZ
GOVERNOR
